Raytheon and Northrop Grumman awarded follow-on contract for hypersonic systems
Raytheon and Northrop Grumman has won a contract to further develop HAWC. (Image: Raytheon)
Raytheon and Northrop Grumman have won a follow-on contract from DARPA to advance air-breathing hypersonic systems. The partnership aims to enhance Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) flight vehicles and deliver critical capabilities for warfighters.
Raytheon, an RTX company, and Northrop Grumman have been awarded a contract to develop further its Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) flight vehicle, incorporating manufacturing improvements and conducting flight tests to expand its operating envelope while validating system performance models.
The two companies have been working on the system since 2019, when they signed a teaming agreement to develop, produce and integrate Northrop Grumman's scramjet engines onto Raytheon's air-breathing hypersonic weapons.
In September 2022, the two companies were handed a $985 million contract to develop HACM further.
Related Articles
US lays out plans to speed up hypersonic weapons development
HAWC makes strides with further flight tests planned
US hails HAWC test but still plays catch-up on hypersonics
The new contract with DARPA will reduce the risk for future air-breathing hypersonic systems and will see the companies build and fly additional vehicles.
The team will continue to apply data and lessons learned from earlier stages of the program to mature the weapon concept design.
The airframe and engine designs are closely aligned to the USAF's Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile, which will directly benefit from the continued advancements.
In FY2019, DARPA requested $256.7 million for hypersonic weapons development, a 136% increase over FY2018. The funds supported two joint programmes with the USAF — the Tactical Boost Glide with $139.4 million and the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept with $14.3 million.
You may also like
More from Air Warfare
-
![USAF conducts first F-16 Block 70 flight of L3Harris’ Viper Shield]()
USAF conducts first F-16 Block 70 flight of L3Harris’ Viper Shield
The Viper Shield electronic warfare suite was tested by the US Air Force’s 412th Test Wing at Edwards Air Force Base, with L3Harris aiming for deliveries of the system to international customers by late 2025.
-
![Airbus to further work on France’s A321XLR maritime patrol aircraft programme]()
Airbus to further work on France’s A321XLR maritime patrol aircraft programme
The two-year contract on the A321 militarised maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) will look to risk-assess the programme ahead of its development phase in 2026.
-
![Lockheed sees 5% 2024 sales growth as CEO says DOGE is an “opportunity” for growth]()
Lockheed sees 5% 2024 sales growth as CEO says DOGE is an “opportunity” for growth
Lockeed Martin’s aeronautics sector saw $20 billion in orders, driven by its Lot 18 F-35 and US fiscal year F-35 sustainment contract wins.
-
![Lockheed delivers first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria]()
Lockheed delivers first F-16 Block 70 aircraft to Bulgaria
The delivery of this F-16 Block 70 aircraft marks a first step in the Bulgarian air force’s modernisation efforts and the replacement of its MiG-29 aircraft.
-
![UAE accepts first batch of F4 Rafale fighter jets]()
UAE accepts first batch of F4 Rafale fighter jets
The aircraft were accepted during a ceremony on the 29 January and will stay at Dassault’s Flight Test Centre, with deliveries scheduled for the end of 2026.
-
![Turkey’s Baykar strengthens European links with Leonardo and Piaggio Aerospace deals]()
Turkey’s Baykar strengthens European links with Leonardo and Piaggio Aerospace deals
Recent collaborations with Italian aerospace and defence firms have bolstered Baykar’s links throughout Europe and strengthened its credibility as an important player on the continental stage.
