Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Northrop Grumman complete second hypersonic weapon flight test

Rhea-AI Summary

Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Northrop Grumman successfully conducted their second flight test of the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) for the U.S. Air Force and DARPA on July 18, 2022. The test validated tactical range capabilities and demonstrated progress in scramjet technology, essential for hypersonic weapons. This advancement allows for faster target acquisition, potentially evading traditional defense systems. The partnership aims to deliver next-gen tactical missile systems, further enhancing the U.S.'s weapon capabilities in hypersonics.

Positive

• Successful completion of the second HAWC flight test, meeting all primary and secondary objectives.
• Demonstrated advancements in scramjet technology, essential for hypersonic capabilities.
• Potential for faster target acquisition with hypersonic speeds, improving defense evasion.

Negative

• None.

Test shows maturation of operationally relevant weapon concept

TUCSON, Ariz., July 18, 2022 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) business, in partnership with Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC), successfully completed its second flight test of the scramjet-powered Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept, or HAWC, for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the U.S. Air Force.

This flight test applied the data and lessons learned from the first flight to mature the operationally relevant weapon concept design. The test met all primary and secondary objectives, including demonstrating tactical range capabilities.

"The test demonstrated how we've rapidly matured affordable scramjet technology, which is the basis for air-breathing weapons," said Colin Whelan, president of Advanced Technology for Raytheon Missiles & Defense. "Our second HAWC flight test success is an important milestone for our nation as we advance hypersonic systems."

During the flight test, after releasing HAWC from an aircraft and accelerating to hypersonic speeds using the scramjet engine, the vehicle flew a trajectory that engineers designed to intentionally stress the weapon concept to explore its limits and further validate digital performance models. These models, grounded in real-world flight data, are being used to accurately predict and increase performance as the system matures.

"The second flight test is a big step toward scramjet technology being mission ready," said Dan Olson, vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems for Northrop Grumman. "Nearly twenty years of scramjet propulsion research and development have come to fruition to significantly advance our nation's weapon capabilities." 

Scramjet engines use high vehicle speed to forcibly compress incoming air before combustion to enable sustained flight at hypersonic speeds – Mach 5 or greater. The system was designed to use a widely available hydrocarbon fuel, and since it uses air for combustion, it does not have to carry the added weight of an onboard oxidizer. These key attributes allow for a safe, efficient, and tactically sized, long-range hypersonic weapon. By traveling at these speeds, hypersonic weapons like HAWC can reach their targets more quickly than traditional missiles, allowing them to potentially evade defense systems. 

Raytheon Missiles and Defense and Northrop Grumman have been working together since 2019 to develop, produce and integrate Northrop Grumman's scramjet engines onto Raytheon's air-breathing hypersonic weapons. Their combined efforts enable both companies to produce air-breathing hypersonic weapons, the next generation of tactical missile systems.

About Raytheon Technologies
Raytheon Technologies Corporation is an aerospace and defense company that provides advanced systems and services for commercial, military and government customers worldwide. With four industry-leading businesses ― Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Raytheon Intelligence & Space and Raytheon Missiles & Defense ― the company delivers solutions that push the boundaries in avionics, cybersecurity, directed energy, electric propulsion, hypersonics, and quantum physics. The company, formed in 2020 through the combination of Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation aerospace businesses, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman is a technology company focused on global security and human discovery. Our pioneering solutions equip our customers with capabilities they need to connect, advance and protect the U.S. and its allies. Driven by a shared purpose to solve our customers' toughest problems, our 90,000 employees define possible every day.

Media Contact
Lindsey Drummey
RMDPR@rtx.com

 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/raytheon-missiles--defense-northrop-grumman-complete-second-hypersonic-weapon-flight-test-301588418.html

SOURCE Raytheon Missiles & Defense

FAQ

What is the significance of the July 18, 2022 HAWC flight test for RTX and NOC?

The HAWC flight test on July 18, 2022, demonstrated critical advancements in hypersonic weapon technology, meeting all objectives and maturing the weapon concept.

How does the HAWC system improve military capabilities for Raytheon and Northrop Grumman?

HAWC enhances military capabilities by enabling faster target reach and improved evasion against traditional defense systems, thus strengthening national security.

What role does scramjet technology play in the HAWC system for RTX and NOC?

Scramjet technology is crucial for HAWC as it allows sustained hypersonic speeds using air for combustion, enhancing efficiency and reducing weight.

How might the HAWC test impact the stock performance of RTX and NOC?

This successful test could positively influence stock performance by showcasing technological leadership and strong defense capabilities.