Missile Defense Agency selects Raytheon Missiles & Defense to develop first-ever counter-hypersonic interceptor
Raytheon Missiles & Defense has been selected by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) to develop the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI), aimed at countering hypersonic threats. The interceptor is designed to engage missiles maneuvering at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound. The development will focus on reducing technical risks and demonstrating intercept capabilities during the glide phase. The GPI will be integrated into the U.S. Navy's Aegis Weapon System, enhancing Raytheon's missile defense portfolio, which is crucial for both military and government customers.
- Selected by MDA to develop the Glide Phase Interceptor targeting hypersonic threats.
- The GPI will enhance the U.S. Navy's Aegis Weapon System with advanced interception capabilities.
- Initial development focuses on reducing technical risks, aiding future military readiness.
- None.
TUCSON, Ariz., Nov. 19, 2021 /PRNewswire/ -- Raytheon Missiles & Defense, a Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) business, has been selected by the Missile Defense Agency (MDA) as one of the companies to develop and test the first interceptor specifically designed to defeat hypersonic threats. The weapon, called Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI), will defeat a new generation of hypersonic missiles – weapons that travel more than five times the speed of sound and manuever rapidly in flight.
"Raytheon Technologies systems are the cornerstone of today's ballistic missile defenses. We're building on that knowledge to advance the missile defense system for future threats," said Tay Fitzgerald, vice president of Strategic Missile Defense. "GPI's speed, ability to withstand extreme heat, and maneuverability will make it the first missile designed to engage this advanced threat."
GPI will intercept hypersonic weapons in the glide phase of flight, which occurs once a missile has re-entered Earth's atmosphere and is manuevering toward its target. The initial development phase will focus on reducing technical risk, rapidly developing technology, and demonstrating the ability to intercept a hypersonic threat.
Developed on behalf of the MDA, GPI will be integrated into the U.S. Navy's Aegis Weapon System, a ship- and shore-based defense system.
Raytheon Technologies' missile defense portfolio combines sensors, interceptors and command and control networks to track and defeat a wide range of threats. Today, the company is responsible for portions of nearly every air and missile defense system deployed by the U.S. and its allies. By evolving its missile interceptors, directed energy and cyber technologies, Raytheon Technologies is advancing counter-hypersonic solutions.
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
Jaclyn Gutmann
rmdpr@rtx.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/missile-defense-agency-selects-raytheon-missiles--defense-to-develop-first-ever-counter-hypersonic-interceptor-301429381.html
SOURCE Raytheon Missiles & Defense
FAQ
What is the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI) developed by Raytheon?
Who selected Raytheon to develop the GPI?
How will the GPI enhance the Aegis Weapon System?
When was the announcement made regarding the GPI development?
What phase of flight will the GPI target?
