DARPA requests hypersonic cruise missile concepts to evade interceptors
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DARPA requests concepts for a Next Generation Hypersonic Cruise Missile able to evade increasingly capable integrated air defense systems. The agency also asks companies to propose accelerated development and flight-test milestones toward a future production demonstrator.
Key Facts
- DARPA's Next Generation Hypersonic Cruise Missile program is soliciting concepts for a scramjet-powered missile able to evade integrated air defense systems.
- The request does not specify a precise velocity threshold, though hypersonic flight generally refers to speeds above Mach 5.
- Potential launch options include tactical fighters, heavy bombers, surface-based vertical launch systems, and larger ground-based platforms.
- DARPA wants a development schedule that reaches key technical milestones and flight testing faster than conventional acquisition programs.
- Russia's Zircon gives Washington an existing hypersonic cruise missile benchmark.
Program Scope
DARPA's Next Generation Hypersonic Cruise Missile program is soliciting concepts for a scramjet-powered missile able to evade integrated air defense systems. The agency says advanced integrated air defense systems could increasingly restrict American forces and weaken existing stand-off strike capabilities. DARPA has not set a precise velocity requirement, though hypersonic flight generally refers to speeds above Mach 5. The proposed weapon would use scramjet propulsion, allowing atmospheric air to support combustion during sustained high-speed flight. The agency asks contractors to consider payload, range, speed, altitude, maneuverability, signatures, and launch-platform capacity.
Launch and Development
Potential launch arrangements include four categories: tactical fighters, heavy bombers, surface-based vertical launch systems, and larger ground-based platforms. DARPA wants a demonstrator that could establish a basis for producing future missiles in substantially larger quantities. Companies must identify ways to accelerate development while maintaining technical reviews required for major program decisions. The agency also seeks advances in air-breathing propulsion, high-energy-density fuels, advanced boosters, high-temperature materials, thermal management, and power systems. DARPA encourages participation from emerging tech companies and contractors outside the traditional defense industry.
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DARPA requests hypersonic cruise missile concepts to evade interceptors
