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

Rhea-AI Summary

Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Northrop Grumman successfully conducted the first flight test of the scramjet-powered Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) for the U.S. Air Force. This historic test, which validated HAWC's capability to reach hypersonic speeds (Mach 5+), paves the way for developing an affordable, long-range hypersonic system. This advancement is expected to strengthen national security and enhance warfighting capabilities by enabling hypersonic weapons to evade traditional defense systems.

Positive

• Successful first flight test of HAWC validates its airframe and propulsion at hypersonic speeds.
• Partnership with Northrop Grumman accelerates development of advanced hypersonic weapons.
• Potential for affordable, long-range hypersonic systems enhances national security.

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 is the significance of the recent HAWC flight test by Raytheon and Northrop Grumman?

The HAWC flight test is significant as it validates the hypersonic capabilities of the weapon, potentially increasing national security and military effectiveness.

How does the HAWC weapon reach hypersonic speeds?

HAWC reaches hypersonic speeds by being boosted to supersonic speeds before its scramjet engine ignites, allowing sustained flight at Mach 5 or greater.

What companies are involved in the HAWC hypersonic weapon project?

Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Northrop Grumman are collaborating on the HAWC hypersonic weapon project.

What are the implications of hypersonic weapons like HAWC for defense systems?

Hypersonic weapons like HAWC can potentially evade traditional defense systems due to their high speed, reaching targets more quickly.

When was the HAWC hypersonic weapon flight test conducted?

The HAWC flight test was conducted on September 27, 2021.