Several companies obtain hypersonic contracts
The US is continuing to address opportunities and challenges related to hypersonic missile technology. (Photo: Missile Defense Agency)
Also Dynetics obtained a contract from the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.
The US is continuing efforts to develop hypersonic missiles and protect against them, after four companies received contracts on 19 November.
Dynetics obtained a $479 million cost-plus-fixed-fee contract from the US Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office to develop Hypersonic Thermal Protection System prototypes, support materials research, and novel inspection and acceptance criteria.
A thermal protection system is essential to protect against extreme temperatures while travelling at hypersonic speed.
Dynetics is expected to complete work on this contract by 18 November 2027.
Meanwhile, the Missile Defense Agency awarded separate other transaction prototype contracts to Raytheon Missiles and Defense ($20.97 million), Lockheed Martin ($20.94 million) and Northrop Grumman ($18.96 million) to 'further develop and refine' their concepts for the Glide Phase Interceptor (GPI).
The contracts were competitively solicited under the Enhanced Hypersonic Defense Broad Agency Announcement, the DoD noted. All three companies are to complete work on these contracts by September 2022.
The GPI programme aims to develop a sea-based counter-hypersonic weapon by 2030.
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
-
![MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog]()
MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog
MBDA CEO Éric Béranger stressed the company’s role supporting European countries with complex weapon systems and focused on boosting production against the backdrop of “shifting” geopolitical alliances.
