On September 20, 2021, Northrop Grumman and the Raytheon missile defense system successfully tested a jet-type hypersonic missile.As part of the U.S. Department of Defense Advanced Planning and Research Agency (DARPA) and Air Force programs, it aims to complete the proof-of-concept of jet-type hypersonic weapon prototypes, and then develop attack weapons that can reach farther and lower altitude.
HAWC concept rendering (from: DARPA)
Hypersonic flight has many advantages. Thanks to its ability to fly five times the speed of sound, it is not only more difficult to detect, but also capable of crushing conventional anti-ballistic missiles.
At present, many parts of the world are actively developing such weapons, but there is still a long way to go before they are put into actual use. During the test, the development team also needs to work hard to improve its range, control, and stealth performance.
It is reported that many of the hypersonic missiles used for testing have chosen a solid rocket-based solution to achieve hypersonic speed in the high altitude, and then make full use of the earth’s gravitational acceleration during the dive phase.
But precisely because of this, these hypersonic missiles are more suitable for carrying out research projects on gliders. As a practical weapon, it still has quite a few shortcomings.
If we can solve certain aerodynamic problems, we may have a jet-type hypersonic missile that can maneuver at low altitudes. This not only makes it more difficult to find, but also makes it lighter overall, more hard-covered, and longer range.
In a recent test, the HAWC prototypes of the two companies were installed on the wing of an aircraft and then released to run into the air. After a few seconds, the solid rocket booster will automatically ignite, allowing the scramjet to accelerate the missile to hypersonic speed.
As a jet engine with no moving parts, the scramjet can move forward to compress incoming air.
Unlike a ramjet engine, it does not need to slow down the air to subsonic speed after mixing with fuel and before the engine is ignited, because the shock wave generated by the air will slow it down and ignite the fuel.
The main purpose of this test is to prove that the fuselage and engine of the HAWC prototype can reach and withstand hypersonic cruises and cope with the thermal stresses generated during the period.
Except for the first time, the two companies did not disclose more details, such as initial landing altitude, cruise altitude, top speed, range, and flight time.
Even so, Colin Whelan, vice president of advanced technology at Raytheon Missile and Defense, claimed that this was a historic moment.
The recent success of the test has paved the way for us to provide a hypersonic system that enhances national security at a reasonable price.
With the realization of the first operable hypersonic ramjet engine, the US military can significantly improve its combat capabilities.
.