Raytheon begins testing components for HACM hypersonic aircraft missile

Rayhteon is moving towards testing components for a hypersonic missile. It is called the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM).

Here's What We Know

Raytheon is working on the HACM in conjunction with Northrop Grumman. Last September, the companies were awarded a $985 million contract to build and test the hypersonic missile until 2027.

Raytheon is responsible for developing the rocket itself, while Northrop will build the propulsion system. Raytheon is now moving on to "some planned ground testing". This was announced by Nate Szyba, the programme manager.

He declined to specify which HACM systems are being tested and how far along they are. However, Nate Szyba stressed that Raytheon is using its own developments from another hypersonic missile project, the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC).

In early 2023, the US Department of Defense conducted a successful test of HAWC. The missile was able to reach a speed of over Mach 5 (6174 km/h). It will enter service with the Marine Corps, the Air Force and the US Army. A B-52 Stratofortress bomber was used for the test. The missile was launched from an altitude of more than 18 km and travelled 483 km.

Source: Janes