Raytheon Missiles & Defense, Northrop Grumman successfully test fire hypersonic weapon

Rhea-AI Summary

Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Northrop Grumman completed the first flight test of a scramjet-powered Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and U.S. Air Force. The test validated HAWC's capabilities, reaching hypersonic speeds and enhancing national security. Colin Whelan of Raytheon stated this success paves the way for affordable hypersonic systems. Both companies are committed to accelerating the development of tactical missile systems through their teaming agreement.

Positive

• Successful completion of HAWC flight test validates capability to reach hypersonic speeds.
• Potential for affordable, long-range hypersonic systems enhances national security.
• Teaming agreement secures collaboration between Raytheon and Northrop Grumman for future tactical missile systems.

Negative

• None.

TUCSON, Ariz., Sept. 27, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) business, in partnership with Northrop Grumman (NYSE: NOC), successfully completed the first flight test of a scramjet-powered Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept, or HAWC, for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the U.S. Air Force. The companies are on track to deliver a prototype system to the U.S. Department of Defense.

During the test, HAWC was carried under the wing of an aircraft before it was released. Seconds later, a solid rocket motor boosted HAWC to supersonic speeds, where the scramjet engine ignited and accelerated the missile, enabling it to reach hypersonic flight. The test validates the ability of HAWC's airframe and propulsion system to reach and cruise at hypersonic speeds.

"This is a history-making moment, and this success paves the way for an affordable, long-range hypersonic system in the near term to strengthen national security," said Colin Whelan, vice president of Advanced Technology at Raytheon Missiles & Defense. "This test proves we can deliver the first operational hypersonic scramjet, providing a significant increase in warfighting 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 – which is five times the speed of sound. By traveling at these speeds, hypersonic weapons like HAWC are able to reach their targets more quickly than traditional missiles, allowing them to potentially evade defense systems. 

"We have reached a milestone in delivering a game-changing capability to the warfighter," said Dan Olson, vice president and general manager of Weapon Systems Division for Northrop Grumman. "Decades of learning advanced manufacturing techniques and industry partnerships helped us define what is now possible."

Raytheon Technologies and Northrop Grumman signed a teaming agreement last year to develop, produce and integrate Northrop Grumman's scramjet engines onto Raytheon's air-breathing hypersonic weapons. The agreement enables both companies to combine their capabilities to accelerate development and demonstrate readiness to produce the next generation of tactical missile systems.

About Northrop Grumman
Northrop Grumman solves the toughest problems in space, aeronautics, defense and cyberspace to meet the ever evolving needs of our customers worldwide. Our 90,000 employees define possible every day using science, technology and engineering to create and deliver advanced systems, products and services.

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 Waltham, Massachusetts.

Media Contact
Kevin Donovan
RMDPR@rtx.com

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SOURCE Raytheon Missiles & Defense

FAQ

What was the result of the HAWC flight test by Raytheon and Northrop Grumman on Sept. 27, 2021?

The flight test was successful, validating HAWC's capability to reach hypersonic speeds.

How does the HAWC hypersonic weapon enhance national security?

HAWC allows for faster strike capabilities that can potentially evade traditional defense systems.

What are the implications of the teaming agreement between Raytheon and Northrop Grumman?

The agreement enables both companies to collaborate on developing and producing hypersonic missile systems.

What speed does the scramjet engine allow the HAWC to achieve?

The scramjet engine enables the HAWC to reach speeds of Mach 5 or greater.

Which organizations were involved in the HAWC hypersonic weapon test?

The test was conducted for the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency and the U.S. Air Force.