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

Rhea-AI Summary

Raytheon Missiles & Defense, in partnership with Northrop Grumman, has completed the first flight test of the HAWC hypersonic weapon for the U.S. Air Force and DARPA. The test demonstrated the weapon's capability to achieve and sustain hypersonic speeds, a vital enhancement for national security. This scramjet-powered missile, which can travel at Mach 5 or greater, signifies a major advancement in missile technology, enabling rapid strikes that can evade traditional defense systems. Both companies aim to deliver a prototype system, with significant implications for future combat capabilities.

Positive

• Successful completion of first flight test of hypersonic weapon HAWC, enhancing military capabilities.
• Demonstration of hypersonic speed capability (Mach 5+), allowing evasion of current defense technologies.
• Prototype system delivery on track, indicating progress in defense contract fulfillment.

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 HAWC hypersonic weapon test conducted by Raytheon and Northrop Grumman?

The HAWC hypersonic weapon test demonstrates a major advancement in missile technology, enhancing military capabilities by allowing faster strike options that can evade defense systems.

When was the first flight test of the HAWC hypersonic weapon completed?

The first flight test of the HAWC hypersonic weapon was completed on September 27, 2021.

How fast can the HAWC hypersonic weapon travel?

The HAWC hypersonic weapon can travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, which is five times the speed of sound.

Which organizations are involved in the HAWC hypersonic weapon development?

Raytheon Missiles & Defense and Northrop Grumman are collaborating on the HAWC hypersonic weapon development for the U.S. Department of Defense.

What are the planned outcomes of the HAWC hypersonic weapon project?

The project aims to deliver a prototype system that enhances national security through advanced, long-range hypersonic capabilities.