Current US hypersonic weapons projects. (General)

[AN/AWW-14(V)]

RFI: Expendable Hypersonic Multi-Mission Air-Breathing Demonstrator (Mayhem) Program

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is interested in the design, fabrication, integration, and necessary research needed to enable a larger-scale expendable air-breathing hypersonic multi-mission flight demonstrator. The Mayhem System Demonstrator (MSD) will need to be capable of carrying larger payloads over distances further than current hypersonic capabilities allow. The payload bay will be modular and capable of carrying/delivering at least three distinct payloads in order to execute multiple Government-defined mission sets. AFRL has previously accomplished similar research under multiple efforts including the Enhanced Operational Scramjet Technology effort (Broad Area Announcement BAA-12-07-PKP), Enabling Technologies for High-speed Operable Systems (BAA-FA8650-17-S-2002), High Speed Strike Weapon Program, and Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept Program.

To increase industry involvement and benefit from focused tasking, AFRL is considering the use of two multiple-award IDIQs to accomplish this effort. The two Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contracts would be split into groups, each encompassing one propulsion system development and vehicle development and integration. Each IDIQ contract group would share a single-cost ceiling with a multiple-award IDIQ contract scoped to each of the two focus areas: 1) larger scale propulsion development and flight-weight ground test and 2) air vehicle design and scramjet integration. Follow-on awards would include fabrication, flight test, and vehicle modification for integration of various payloads. Multiple-award IDIQ contracts would be planned under one solicitation.

Conceptually, two different air vehicle and two different propulsion contractors could be awarded each one of the multiple-award IDIQ contracts. Alternatively, a single contractor could be awarded both separate focus area contracts. Due to the nature of the research and focus areas, information sharing and resource sharing would be essential. As such, formation and agreement to an Associate Contractor Agreement (ACA) or a Consortium Agreement between the vehicle and propulsion contractors would be necessary. A similar agreement amongst all contractors is being considered.

Competition for future task order requirements after initial award is anticipated between the IDIQ contracts. The AFRL Program Manager may choose to order tasks from one of the two IDIQ contract groups based on the available funding and evidential progress towards achieving objectives.

SAM.gov

beta.sam.gov

 

[dark sidius]

It could open the door of something refurbishable or reusable. I could land with a parafoil .

 

[bobbymike]

'Mayhem' Will Be Larger, Multi-Role Air-Breathing Hypersonic System for USAF | Air & Space Forces Magazine

USAF wants a new, air-breathing hypersonic system, nicknamed “Mayhem,” that would be larger than the AGM-183A ARRW and carry multiple payloads.

www.airforcemag.com

 

[Bhurki]

'Mayhem' Will Be Larger, Multi-Role Air-Breathing Hypersonic System for USAF | Air & Space Forces Magazine

USAF wants a new, air-breathing hypersonic system, nicknamed “Mayhem,” that would be larger than the AGM-183A ARRW and carry multiple payloads.

www.airforcemag.com

"The Air Force is seeking a new, air-breathing hypersonic system, nicknamed “Mayhem,” that would be larger than the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon".....

"In April, USAF solicited industry for a “solid rocket-boosted, air-breathing, hypersonic conventional cruise missile” that could be launched from existing fighters and bombers. It’s likely Mayhem is the same project."

Larger than arrw but still carried by fighters?!

 

[sferrin]

'Mayhem' Will Be Larger, Multi-Role Air-Breathing Hypersonic System for USAF | Air & Space Forces Magazine

USAF wants a new, air-breathing hypersonic system, nicknamed “Mayhem,” that would be larger than the AGM-183A ARRW and carry multiple payloads.

www.airforcemag.com

"The Air Force is seeking a new, air-breathing hypersonic system, nicknamed “Mayhem,” that would be larger than the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon".....

"In April, USAF solicited industry for a “solid rocket-boosted, air-breathing, hypersonic conventional cruise missile” that could be launched from existing fighters and bombers. It’s likely Mayhem is the same project."

Larger than arrw but still carried by fighters?!

F-15

 

[TAOG]

AFRE program will almost complete in FY2021.

View attachment 627736



Also, Air Force want the scramjet engine which may power the future hypersonic vehicle (multi-mission cruiser) can operate up to mach 7 and work efficiently during maneuvers.

View attachment 627737

This is the Mayhem:

No demonstrator by that name appears in Air Force budget documents, but a spending justification report published in February does name an effort to launch a program called the “Multi-Mission Cruiser.”

“Mayhem, in its early planning stages, was described as a ‘Multi-Mission Cruiser’ due to the focus on sustained hypersonic flight capabilities independent of potential payloads,” AFRL said in response to emailed questions.

Hypersonic Mayhem Linked To Multi-Cycle Air-breathing Engine | Aviation Week Network

The acknowledgment is the clearest indication that Mayhem will serve as a testbed for dual-mode or turbine-based combined cycle (TBCC) hypersonic propulsion systems.

t.co

 

[Bhurki]

'Mayhem' Will Be Larger, Multi-Role Air-Breathing Hypersonic System for USAF | Air & Space Forces Magazine

USAF wants a new, air-breathing hypersonic system, nicknamed “Mayhem,” that would be larger than the AGM-183A ARRW and carry multiple payloads.

www.airforcemag.com

"The Air Force is seeking a new, air-breathing hypersonic system, nicknamed “Mayhem,” that would be larger than the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon".....

"In April, USAF solicited industry for a “solid rocket-boosted, air-breathing, hypersonic conventional cruise missile” that could be launched from existing fighters and bombers. It’s likely Mayhem is the same project."

Larger than arrw but still carried by fighters?!

F-15

I meant F15 Ex centreline is rated for the arrw at 7,300 lbs max. How will any larger a missile be carried?
Therefore, mayhem certainly must be the same size/weight as arrw and not any larger.

 

[sferrin]

'Mayhem' Will Be Larger, Multi-Role Air-Breathing Hypersonic System for USAF | Air & Space Forces Magazine

USAF wants a new, air-breathing hypersonic system, nicknamed “Mayhem,” that would be larger than the AGM-183A ARRW and carry multiple payloads.

www.airforcemag.com

"The Air Force is seeking a new, air-breathing hypersonic system, nicknamed “Mayhem,” that would be larger than the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon".....

"In April, USAF solicited industry for a “solid rocket-boosted, air-breathing, hypersonic conventional cruise missile” that could be launched from existing fighters and bombers. It’s likely Mayhem is the same project."

Larger than arrw but still carried by fighters?!

F-15

I meant F15 Ex centreline is rated for the arrw at 7,300 lbs max. How will any larger a missile be carried?
Therefore, mayhem certainly must be the same size/weight as arrw and not any larger.

Who's to say AGM-183A weighs 7,000lbs? Mayhem could weigh more than AGM-183A and still weigh less than 7,300lbs.

 

[Bhurki]

Who's to say AGM-183A weighs 7,000lbs?

Umm.. Roper?!
7,300 lbs, 270"x30" was quoted..
Also, those dimensions match the ones deduced from the pic from B52 flight tests, so i don't see the mass deviating too much from whats announced.

Also, considering other solid rockets on various missiles of similar size(atacms on x51, iskander/kinzhal, df-11, skybolt), this seems the appropriate mass based on these dimensions.

 

[marauder2048]

'Mayhem' Will Be Larger, Multi-Role Air-Breathing Hypersonic System for USAF | Air & Space Forces Magazine

USAF wants a new, air-breathing hypersonic system, nicknamed “Mayhem,” that would be larger than the AGM-183A ARRW and carry multiple payloads.

www.airforcemag.com

"The Air Force is seeking a new, air-breathing hypersonic system, nicknamed “Mayhem,” that would be larger than the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon".....

"In April, USAF solicited industry for a “solid rocket-boosted, air-breathing, hypersonic conventional cruise missile” that could be launched from existing fighters and bombers. It’s likely Mayhem is the same project."

Larger than arrw but still carried by fighters?!

This looks to be completely wrong. The earlier FBO solicitation was announcing sole-source proposals form Boeing, Lockheed and Raytheon
for an air-breathing hypersonic weapon that was fighter/bomber compatible. It's run by a different program office.

MAYHEM is an AFRL RFI and it's far from clear it's even air launched.

 

[Bhurki]

MAYHEM is an AFRL RFI and it's far from clear it's even air launched.

If it concerns AFRL, then its bound to be air launched. There's nothing in usaf inventory other than minuteman that's ground launched.

 

[marauder2048]

MAYHEM is an AFRL RFI and it's far from clear it's even air launched.

If it concerns AFRL, then its bound to be air launched. There's nothing in usaf inventory other than minuteman that's ground launched.

No INF? No problem:

https://www.losangeles.af.mil/News/...ground-launched-ballistic-missile-successful/

Or it's designed to be RATO'ed or takeoff via runway.

 

[sferrin]

Who's to say AGM-183A weighs 7,000lbs?

Umm.. Roper?!
7,300 lbs, 270"x30" was quoted..
Also, those dimensions match the ones deduced from the pic from B52 flight tests, so i don't see the mass deviating too much from whats announced.

Also, considering other solid rockets on various missiles of similar size(atacms on x51, iskander/kinzhal, df-11, skybolt), this seems the appropriate mass based on these dimensions.

Any chance of a link? I don't recall seeing either a weight or length given for AGM-183.

 

[Flyaway]

Mayhem is a expendable testbed program designed at developing engines for things like the SR-72.

Aviation Week was first to confirm a direct link between Mayhem and this "multi-cycle" engine work for a story it published on Aug. 20, 2020. The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) had first publicly announced the project in a contracting announcement calling for information about a potential "Expendable Hypersonic Multi-Mission Air-Breathing Demonstrator" design on Aug. 12. The Air Force expects the Mayhem demonstrator to be larger than the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon(ARRW) hypersonic missile and be able to carry at least three separate payloads per flight.

The Air Force is already performing advanced ramjet and scramjet work, previously revealing that it achieved what it said was record-breaking performance from a scramjet during ground tests last year. Earlier this month, the service handed what was effectively a $1.5 million research and development grant to the Hermeus Corporation, which has been actively testing its own proprietary combined cycle jet engine design. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) has also initiated its own multi-cycle Advanced Full Range Engine (AFRE) program.

Air Force's Mayhem Project Tied To Hypersonic Engines For Planes Such As The SR-72

The service wants these hypersonic demonstrators to have advanced air-breathing jet engines at their core.

www.thedrive.com

 

[Bhurki]

Who's to say AGM-183A weighs 7,000lbs?

Umm.. Roper?!
7,300 lbs, 270"x30" was quoted..
Also, those dimensions match the ones deduced from the pic from B52 flight tests, so i don't see the mass deviating too much from whats announced.

Also, considering other solid rockets on various missiles of similar size(atacms on x51, iskander/kinzhal, df-11, skybolt), this seems the appropriate mass based on these dimensions.

Any chance of a link? I don't recall seeing either a weight or length given for AGM-183.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1233523377782054912

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/TheDEWLine/status/1233523377782054912

 

[Flyaway]

Why are people seemingly conflating two different programs together on this thread when there is no reason too? If you read the AW week article it is clear what Mayhem is for. I linked to the The Drive article that quotes it because the AW article is behind a paywall.

 

[sferrin]

Who's to say AGM-183A weighs 7,000lbs?

Umm.. Roper?!
7,300 lbs, 270"x30" was quoted..
Also, those dimensions match the ones deduced from the pic from B52 flight tests, so i don't see the mass deviating too much from whats announced.

Also, considering other solid rockets on various missiles of similar size(atacms on x51, iskander/kinzhal, df-11, skybolt), this seems the appropriate mass based on these dimensions.

Any chance of a link? I don't recall seeing either a weight or length given for AGM-183.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1233523377782054912

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/TheDEWLine/status/1233523377782054912

Did you READ the link? AGM-183 is a Lockheed Martin product. "And Boeing showed a “multipurpose booster” on centerline on #AWS20 display model, weighing 7,300lb and 270-in long." This is the Boeing missile they're referring to:

 

[Bhurki]

Who's to say AGM-183A weighs 7,000lbs?

Umm.. Roper?!
7,300 lbs, 270"x30" was quoted..
Also, those dimensions match the ones deduced from the pic from B52 flight tests, so i don't see the mass deviating too much from whats announced.

Also, considering other solid rockets on various missiles of similar size(atacms on x51, iskander/kinzhal, df-11, skybolt), this seems the appropriate mass based on these dimensions.

Any chance of a link? I don't recall seeing either a weight or length given for AGM-183.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1233523377782054912

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/TheDEWLine/status/1233523377782054912

Did you READ the link? AGM-183 is a Lockheed Martin product. "And Boeing showed a “multipurpose booster” on centerline on #AWS20 display model, weighing 7,300lb and 270-in long." This is the Boeing missile they're referring to:

View attachment 639836

Well, i said something about the matching dimensions as well. Arrw literally is the same length/diameter as this, and it won't be entirely dubious to assume its weight as identical as well.

 

[sferrin]

Well, i said something about the matching dimensions as well. Arrw literally is the same length/diameter as this,

I asked for evidence that the length and weight of AGM-183 was published. You give me links for a completely different missile and say, "AGM-183 is just like this". That is not evidence. It suggests you've got nothing, and don't really understand what you're reading.

 

[Flyaway]

Who's to say AGM-183A weighs 7,000lbs?

Umm.. Roper?!
7,300 lbs, 270"x30" was quoted..
Also, those dimensions match the ones deduced from the pic from B52 flight tests, so i don't see the mass deviating too much from whats announced.

Also, considering other solid rockets on various missiles of similar size(atacms on x51, iskander/kinzhal, df-11, skybolt), this seems the appropriate mass based on these dimensions.

Any chance of a link? I don't recall seeing either a weight or length given for AGM-183.

https://twitter.com/x/status/1233523377782054912

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/TheDEWLine/status/1233523377782054912

Did you READ the link? AGM-183 is a Lockheed Martin product. "And Boeing showed a “multipurpose booster” on centerline on #AWS20 display model, weighing 7,300lb and 270-in long." This is the Boeing missile they're referring to:

View attachment 639836

Well, i said something about the matching dimensions as well. Arrw literally is the same length/diameter as this, and it won't be entirely dubious to assume its weight as identical as well.

What on Earth are you on about?

 

[Bhurki]

I asked for evidence that the length and weight of AGM-183 was published. You give me links for a completely different missile and say, "AGM-183 is just like this". That is not evidence. It suggests you've got nothing, and don't really understand what you're reading.

Chill..

Dimensions of arrw a few pages back were estimated to be 6.6m x 0.76m
Then there's this info about a booster 270' ( 6.7m) x 30' (0.76m) being 7,300 lbs.
I just superimposed the info and assumed arrw to be the same weight.
Its ok to call me out if you think i'm wrong, but don't blow you top off.

 

[dark sidius]

Mayhem have nothing to do with a F-15 capacity, more bigger scramjet and bigger shape vehicle.

 

[Lc89]

If I have not misunderstood the Mayhem is nothing more than a hypersonic missile with a scramjet that doesn't require an auxiliary propulsion rocket to reach hypersonic speeds?

 

[dark sidius]

Its a multi mission cruiser, surely a little lot more than a missile.

 

[Flyaway]

If I have not misunderstood the Mayhem is nothing more than a hypersonic missile with a scramjet that doesn't require an auxiliary propulsion rocket to reach hypersonic speeds?

It’s an expendable testbed for propulsion development, why do people keep assuming it’s weapon.

 

[Bhurki]

why do people keep assuming it’s weapon.

Largely because of the first line from the airforcemag article -

"The Air Force is seeking a new, air-breathing hypersonic system, nicknamed “Mayhem,” that would be larger than the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon."

If you compare something to a weapon, then more times than not, it is a weapon.

But i do see how a 'quick read' would lead to the misunderstanding.

 

[sferrin]

I asked for evidence that the length and weight of AGM-183 was published. You give me links for a completely different missile and say, "AGM-183 is just like this". That is not evidence. It suggests you've got nothing, and don't really understand what you're reading.

Chill..

Dimensions of arrw a few pages back were estimated to be 6.6m x 0.76m
Then there's this info about a booster 270' ( 6.7m) x 30' (0.76m) being 7,300 lbs.
I just superimposed the info and assumed arrw to be the same weight.
Its ok to call me out if you think i'm wrong, but don't blow you top off.

How you interpret getting called out is on you. I pointed out your claims, nothing more.

 

[Flyaway]

why do people keep assuming it’s weapon.

Largely because of the first line from the airforcemag article -

"The Air Force is seeking a new, air-breathing hypersonic system, nicknamed “Mayhem,” that would be larger than the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon."

If you compare something to a weapon, then more times than not, it is a weapon.

But i do see how a 'quick read' would lead to the misunderstanding.

No it’s the fact that the AW article appears to says something completely different about it, have you read the AW article?

 

[bobbymike]

https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/missile-defense-weapons/new-factory-opening-launches-hypersonic-industrial-phase

 

[bobbymike]

Are Hypersonic Weapons Destabilizing? | Aviation Week Network

Ask the Editors: It is more destabilizing if our adversaries have them and we don’t.

aviationweek.com

 

[bobbymike]

From Inside Defense pay site


Army official: 'There isn't a moment to lose' on hypersonic weapon development
The official in charge of the Army's Long Range Precision Fires Cross-Functional Team today said the service's plan to develop a Long Range Hypersonic Weapon prototype by 2023 is the quickest way to maintain combined arms overmatch, as it aims to engage in the fight with Russia and China

 

[bobbymike]

Report on U.S. Hypersonic Weapon Development - USNI News

The following is the Aug. 26, 2020 Congressional Research Service report Hypersonic Weapons: Background and Issues for Congress. From the report The United States has actively pursued the development of hypersonic weapons—maneuvering weapons that fly at speeds of at least Mach 5—as a part of its...

news.usni.org

 

[Bhurki]

Report on U.S. Hypersonic Weapon Development - USNI News

The following is the Aug. 26, 2020 Congressional Research Service report Hypersonic Weapons: Background and Issues for Congress. From the report The United States has actively pursued the development of hypersonic weapons—maneuvering weapons that fly at speeds of at least Mach 5—as a part of its...

news.usni.org

HAWC 'complete flight tests in 2020'?

 

[AN/AWW-14(V)]

Next Generation Land Attack Weapon (NGLAW)

Next Generation Land Attack Weapon (NGLAW) will provide the next generation of long-range, kinetic strike capability to destroy high-priority fixed, stationary and moving targets – as well as those targets hardened, defended or positioned at ranges such that engagement by aviation assets would incur unacceptable risk. NGLAW will be capable of kinetic land and maritime attack from both surface and sub-surface platforms.
The NGLAW AoA (Analysis of Alternatives) has completed and the classified results have been shared with all four congressional defense committees.



Offensive Anti-Surface Warfare (OASuW) Increment 2

OASuW Increment 2 is required to deliver the long-term, air-launched ASuW capabilities to counter 2028 threats (and beyond). The Department continues to plan for OASuW Increment 2 via full and open competition. To inform the long-term path forward, the DoN will leverage the NGLAW AoA results to inform the required ASuW capabilities. The AoA study to determine the Increment 2 path-forward will complete in 3rd Qtr FY 2020. In the interim, the Navy is pursuing incremental upgrades to LRASM to bridge the gap to OASuW Increment 2 program of record. Increment 2 IOC is planned for the FY 2028-2030 timeframe.

https://www.congress.gov/116/meeting/house/110686/witnesses/HHRG-116-AS25-Wstate-GeurtsJ-20200310.pdf

 

[Lc89]

So will NGLAW be hypersonic?

 

[bobbymike]

ARRW To Mayhem To The Future Of Hypersonic Operations - Breaking Defense

"How are we going to employ hypersonic weapons, what do they bring to the battlefield?," asks Maj. Gen. Mark Weatherington, commander of the 8th Air Force and the Joint-Global Strike Operations Center.

breakingdefense.com

 

[seruriermarshal]

DARPA Completes Key Milestone on Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapons Program

DARPA and the U.S. Air Force (USAF) today announced successful completion of captive carry tests of two variants of the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) and are ready to proceed to first free-flight testing within the calendar year. The joint Agency and Service effort seeks to develop and demonstrate critical technologies to enable an effective and affordable air-launched hypersonic cruise missile.

HAWC performers Lockheed Martin and Raytheon Technologies have each tested advanced air vehicle configurations that promise to achieve and sustain efficient hypersonic flight. Their upcoming flight tests will focus on hydrocarbon scramjet-powered propulsion and thermal management techniques to enable prolonged hypersonic cruise, in addition to affordable system designs and manufacturing approaches.

“Completing the captive carry series of tests demonstrates both HAWC designs are ready for free flight,” said Andrew “Tippy” Knoedler, HAWC program manager in DARPA’s Tactical Technology Office. “These tests provide us a large measure of confidence – already well informed by years of simulation and wind tunnel work – that gives us faith the unique design path we embarked on will provide unmatched capability to U.S. forces.”

The HAWC program, since inception, has been executed as a joint program between DARPA and the USAF. In addition, DARPA is working in cooperation with military services and agencies, including the Missile Defense Agency, U.S. Navy, and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to validate, and eventually transition key technologies. The extensive flight data collected is intended to increase the confidence in air-breathing hypersonic systems and reduce the risks to potential future acquisition programs across the U.S. government.

DARPA Completes Key Milestone on Hypersonics Air-breathing Weapons Program

 

[TomcatViP]

Rhoads [director of the Ray W. Herrick Laboratories and professor of mechanical engineering] said there are currently 18 research projects and groups conducting energetics research as part of the project. Among the research projects:

• Gaining a better understanding of how shockwaves interact with the microstructure and defects in energetic materials.
• Improving the performance of materials used in the aggressive service conditions such as gun launch and hypersonic flight.
• Developing inkjet-printed conductive energetic materials.
• Developing new manufacturing techniques to encapsulate metal or composite materials with embedded sensors to develop health-monitoring smart armor.

"It's an interesting project. On the one hand, it's trying to increase the effectiveness of these weapons, and on the other, it's trying to increase the safety and sustainability," Rhoads said.

Purdue, U.S. Army to collaborate on next-generation energetic materials

Advancing technology associated with explosives, propellants, and pyrotechnics — what the scientific community calls energetic materials — is the goal of a new joint project between Purdue University and the United States Army.

www.purdue.edu

 

[aonestudio]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1300951427578245120

View: https://twitter.com/RaytheonDefense/status/1300951427578245120

DARPA Completes Key Milestone on Hypersonics Air-breathing Weapons Program

 

[dark sidius]

U.S. Air Force Studies Rocket-based Hypersonic Flying Testbed Plan | Aviation Week Network

Combined-cycle testbed paves the way for Air Force’s longer-term hypersonic vehicle ambitions.

aviationweek.com

Saddly behind a pay wall.