Rayhteon is moving to test components for a hypersonic missile called the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile
What is known
Raytheon is working on HACM with NorthropGrumman. In September last year, the companies received a contract worth $985 million. Work on the creation and testing of a hypersonic missile will last until 2027.
Raytheon is responsible for the development of the rocket itself,Northrop will build the propulsion system. Raytheon is now moving on to "some planned ground testing." This was stated by Nate Szyba, Program Manager.
He declined to specify which HACM systemspass the tests and how far they have progressed. At the same time, Nate Shiba emphasized that Raytheon uses its own developments from another project to create a hypersonic missile - the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC).
In early 2023, the US Department of Defenseconducted a successful HAWC test. The rocket was able to develop a speed of more than 5 Machs (6174 km / h). It will go into service with the Marine Corps, the Air Force and the US Army. For the test, a B-52 Stratofortress bomber was used. The rocket was launched from a height of more than 18 km and traveled 483 km.