US Hypersonics - Prompt Global Strike Capability

[bring_it_on]

There are multiple contracts supporting the portfolio in general. In October last year, both Raytheon and Lockheed were awarded contracts in support of HAWC, and TBG. I'm guessing that would trickle down to propulsion suppliers as well. I'm not sure what the acquisition strategy is for this program or if they wish to fund EMD on just one of the 5 teams but I guess they could always fund a couple of teams for early work.

 

[bring_it_on]

U.S. Air Force Plans Road Map To Operational Hypersonics

....Tucker’s optimism is based on a dramatic upswing in the Air Force hypersonic research budget. Compared to 2012, when the Air Force spent just under $79 million on hypersonic science and technology programs, the service requested more than $292 million for the same areas in the 2018 presidential budget. Of this, $90 million was requested for prototyping.

While a number of classified hypersonic missile efforts are thought to be underway in the U.S., the only acknowledged committed government research developments are a series of technology demonstrator programs led by DARPA. These include two high-speed strike weapons: the Tactical Boost Glide (TBG) program and the Hypersonic Air-Breathing Weapon (HAWC). The TBG is a follow-on to the unsuccessful HTV-2 hypersonic cruise vehicle demonstrator and is a rocket-launched hypersonic weapon capable of flying more than 1,000 mi. in 10 min. The TBG, in development by Lockheed Martin, is attempting to repackage the high lift-to-drag aerodynamic and aerothermal design concepts of the global-range HTV-2 into a smaller, tactical-range weapon

Raytheon Missile Systems and Lockheed Martin are meanwhile competing for the HAWC, a follow-on to the Air Force Research Laboratory’s (AFRL) successful Boeing X-51A WaveRider hypersonic scramjet engine demonstrator.

Leveraging elements of these DARPA/AFRL efforts, the Air Force has meanwhile begun efforts to develop an air-launched Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon Missile Systems and Orbital ATK have all been listed as potential developers of the precision strike missile, which the service says will be fired at “high-value, time-critical fixed and relocatable surface targets.” A contract for development of the weapon—which will be conventionally armed, powered by solid rocket and guided by an integrated GPS/INS (inertial guidance system)—will be awarded in early 2018.

Beyond missiles and XS-1, DARPA’s other major hypersonic program is the Advanced Full-Range Engine (AFRE), a ground demonstrator of a turbine-based combined-cycle engine that will enable an aircraft to operate at Mach 5+ from standard runways. Launched 18 months ago, AFRE is a “full-scale engine, and will validate [that] we can have an effective engine,” says DARPA Tactical Technology Office Director Brad Tousley. “We need the same sort of thing as the J58 was in the SR-71, and AFRE is the same sort of thing. If that is successful, we think it would open up the trade space for us to work together with the Air Force, the U.S. Navy and others on a really ‘no-kidding’ reusable hypersonic aircraft......

 

[dark sidius]

Great it seem that the hypersonic is accelerating to weapon and aircraft.

 

[bobbymike]

Inside the Air Force - August 11, 2017

DSB prepping recommendations for new, long-range strike capabilities
August 10, 2017

A senior Pentagon advisory panel is finalizing recommendations on potential new long-range strike capabilities the U.S. military should develop, and plans to brief senior Defense Department leaders on its proposals on Aug. 11.

The Defense Science Board's 2017 Summer Study Task Force on Countering Anti-access Systems with Longer Range and Standoff Capabilities -- a panel that also goes by a shorter title, the Long-Range Effects 2017 Summer Study -- is meeting in Irvine, CA, to "deliberate and vote" on the findings and recommendations, according to a public notice.

The panel, led by David Whelan, former chief scientist for Boeing's Defense Space and Security, and Mark Russell, vice president of Engineering, Technology and Mission Assurance for Raytheon, has met monthly since January, according to an Aug. 8 notice in the Federal Register.

"The objective of the Long-Range Effects 2017 Summer Study Task Force is to explore new defense systems and technologies that will enable cost effective power projection that relies on use of longer stand-off distances than current capabilities," the notice states.

The meeting, which will focus on deliberations over how the U.S. military can preserve the ability to project power around the globe -- a capability it has enjoyed in a relatively benign environment for a generation, is closed to the public.

The panel was commissioned last November by then-Pentagon acquisition executive Frank Kendall to explore new defense systems and technology that might enable cost-effective power projection.

The task force convened at the National Academies of Sciences and Engineering in Irvine on July 31 for two weeks of work that is due to culminate with presentation of its findings Aug. 11 to "DOD senior leaders," according to the notice.

The Long-Range Effects Summer Study has tackled its work by dividing into four panels -- architecture; intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance; basing, delivery and weapons; and command, control, communications and cyber -- to simultaneously discuss topics and analyze data in support of the study.

"System components may be deployed on manned or unmanned platforms with a range of potential autonomous capabilities," according to the notice.

"Use of cost-reducing technology and advanced production practices from defense and commercial industry may be a major part of the strategy for deploying adequate numbers of weapons," the panel's announcement states.

Last year, Kendall directed the DSB to consider the "best mix of air-breathing, ballistic, and hybrid hypersonic weapons and defense penetration aides for strike actions," given projected capabilities of nations developing anti-access capabilities, such as China, Russia and Iran.

In addition, the panel was to explore options for the development of "arsenal platforms" in order to deploy substantial numbers of weapons in a potential regional conflict, according to the then-Pentagon acquisition executive. Also, the task force was to investigate what manufacturing practices might enable "rapid production of large numbers of low-cost weapons," according to the Nov. 17, 2016 terms of reference memo launching the summer study. -- Jason Sherman

 

[sferrin]

I'd be happier if they were actually testing hardware that could fill this role. As it is they'll reach a decision. . .sometime, and then that's it. Nothing.

 

[jsport]

"arsenal platforms" in order to deploy substantial numbers of weapons in a potential regional conflict, according to the then-Pentagon acquisition executive. Also, the task force was to investigate what manufacturing practices might enable "rapid production of large numbers of low-cost weapons,"

needs to be low cost reuseable weapons platforms still need hypersonics.

 

[bobbymike]

http://aviationweek.com/aviation-week-space-technology/wind-tunnel-tests-coming-hypersonic-flying-testbed?NL=AW-19&Issue=AW-19_20170815_AW-19_392&sfvc4enews=42&cl=article_3&utm_rid=CPEN1000000230026&utm_campaign=11296&utm_medium=email&elq2=194d1af21cf644f9819e691fa8940c9d

 

[bobbymike]

White House OMB sends out FY-19 defense R&D wish list

The White House Office of Management and Budget wants the Defense Department to give “special focus” to missile defense, hypersonic weapons, autonomous and space-based systems as well as other technologies when drawing up research and development investments for fiscal year 2019, according to a recent memo.

 

[dark sidius]

Great

 

[bobbymike]

https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2017/09/advanced-fuel-system-to-enable-hypersonic-flight-by-transferring-heat.html

 

[Flyaway]

Orbital ATK Receives $21 Million Hypersonic Propulsion Contract from DARPA

http://www.parabolicarc.com/2017/09/19/orbital-atk-darpa-contract/

That engine looks not dissimilar to the engine Aerojet Rocketdyne are developing for the so called LM SR-72.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a26796/hypersonic-sr-72-aircraft/

 

[bobbymike]

RAND Report - Hypersonic Missile Nonproliferation

https://www.rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR2137.html

 

[Flyaway]

Amid SR-72 Rumors, Skunk Works Ramps Up Hypersonics

“Although I can’t go into specifics, let us just say the Skunk Works team in Palmdale, California, is doubling down on our commitment to speed,” says Orlando Carvalho, executive vice president of aeronautics at Lockheed Martin, speaking at the SAE International Aerotech Congress and Exhibition here.

“Simply put, I believe the United States is on the verge of a hypersonics revolution,” he says.

Referencing ongoing development of the Darpa/U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory Tactical Boost Glide weapon and Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept research program, the latter in competition with Raytheon, Carvalho says, “Over the last decade progress has been moving quickly, and hypersonic technology is clearly becoming apparent to everyone as a game changer. We continue to advance and test technology which will benefit hypersonic flight and are working on multiple programs, including two Darpa efforts. Speed matters, especially when it comes to national security.”

Skunk Works is believed to be planning the start of FRV development next year, with first flight targeted for 2020. The FRV will be around the same size as an F-22 and powered by a full-scale, combined-cycle engine. However, in the run-up to the demonstrator development, Lockheed is thought to be testing several discrete technologies in a series of ground and flight tests.

According to information provided to Aviation Week, one such technology demonstrator, believed to be an unmanned subscale aircraft, was observed flying into the U.S. Air Force’s Plant 42 at Palmdale, where Skunk Works is headquartered. The vehicle, which was noted landing in the early hours at an unspecified date in late July, was seen with two T-38 escorts. Lockheed Martin declined to comment directly on the sighting.

The company previously has said the follow-on step would be development of a full-scale, twin-engined SR-72. With roughly the same proportions as the SR-71, the larger vehicle would enter flight test in the late 2020s.

“Hypersonics is like stealth. It is a disruptive technology and will enable various platforms to operate at two to three times the speed of the Blackbird,” Carvalho says. “Operational survivability and lethality is the ultimate deterrent. Security classification guidance will only allow us to say the speed is greater than Mach 5.”

http://m.aviationweek.com/defense/amid-sr-72-rumors-skunk-works-ramps-hypersonics

 

[dark sidius]

Great , great

 

[Flyaway]

Great , great

Do you think this source that told them was LM off the record, after all how many people are going to see such an event on a high security military base?

Me thinks this project is further along than advertised and such talk helps drum up interest and funds from the politicians.

 

[sferrin]

Or it could be another Blackstar / Aurora.

 

[Flyaway]

Or it could be another Blackstar / Aurora.

For a so called classified project LM sure do like giving us regular updates and there has to be a reason for this, and I bet the fate of the above projects is part of their thinking.

 

[GeorgeA]

1) Did the sighting actually happen, since the supposed sighting is based on reports from unnamed sources, observers, etc?

2) If yes, was the vehicle related in some way to a hypersonic development program, or was it something more prosaic?

3) If it is related to hypersonic development, then we should begin to see logistical evidence -- fuel storage, test equipment, special materials fabrication capabilities.

 

[Flyaway]

1) Did the sighting actually happen, since the supposed sighting is based on reports from unnamed sources, observers, etc?

2) If yes, was the vehicle related in some way to a hypersonic development program, or was it something more prosaic?

3) If it is related to hypersonic development, then we should begin to see logistical evidence -- fuel storage, test equipment, special materials fabrication capabilities.

I personally feel in this case when they say unnamed sources that you need to read between the lines, notice they said LM did not comment directly on the sighting that sounds like a journalists nudge & wink to the reader especially as the article reads like PR for LM.

Have some questions of my own. Were the T-38s needed to accompany it because it was an unmanned vehicle? Would they belong to LM or the USAF?

 

[Flyaway]

Never seen this concept image before.

Stephen Trimble @FG_STrim
In 2016, DARPA released a concept of a vehicle that would use the SR-72's propulsion system. Keep your eyes out for this, Antelope Valley.

https://mobile.twitter.com/FG_STrim/status/913813922049818625

 

[Arjen]

The same tweet was referred to here:
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1985.msg315279.html#msg315279

 

[Flyaway]

The same tweet was referred to here:
https://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,1985.msg315279.html#msg315279

Couldn’t locate the SR-72 topic when I searched for it, as it never came up in the search results, when I was about to post the AW article?

 

[Airplane]

Saw Tyler writing about the SR-72 and since there isn't much in the news....

www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/14803/lets-talk-about-the-supposed-sighting-of-a-skunk-works-hypersonic-test-aircraft

 

[Flyaway]

Saw Tyler writing about the SR-72 and since there isn't much in the news....

www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/14803/lets-talk-about-the-supposed-sighting-of-a-skunk-works-hypersonic-test-aircraft

I guess he struggles to read the context in articles, that sighting probably did occur from within the security fence and was deliberately leaked to send a message. He’s just sore he didn’t get the scoop.

 

[sferrin]

Saw Tyler writing about the SR-72 and since there isn't much in the news....

www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/14803/lets-talk-about-the-supposed-sighting-of-a-skunk-works-hypersonic-test-aircraft

I guess he struggles to read the context in articles, that sighting probably did occur from within the security fence and was deliberately leaked to send a message. He’s just sore he didn’t get the scoop.

Don't know why anybody quotes that guy. What a joke.

 

[Flyaway]

Saw Tyler writing about the SR-72 and since there isn't much in the news....

www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/14803/lets-talk-about-the-supposed-sighting-of-a-skunk-works-hypersonic-test-aircraft

I guess he struggles to read the context in articles, that sighting probably did occur from within the security fence and was deliberately leaked to send a message. He’s just sore he didn’t get the scoop.

Don't know why anybody quotes that guy. What a joke.

Is he the rampant anti-F-35 guy?

 

[dark sidius]

""
guess he struggles to read the context in articles, that sighting probably did occur from within the security fence and was deliberately leaked to send a message. .""

I think it is the answer.

 

[aliensporebomb]

Send a message to whom? Competitors? "Look at our new toy!" North Korea?

People who work on these things must have a pretty insane level of pride when something difficult to achieve works properly and though it's obviously a classified project it's almost a "read between the lines" thing.

 

[bring_it_on]

Is he the rampant anti-F-35 guy?

He's the guy who sits behind a computer, reads work done by others (possibly including stuff posted by members here), aggregates it, and then tells them how A&D sector reporting should be conducted

 

[Hood]

The US Air Force Research Laboratory is searching for suitable leading edge materials for reusable and expendable hypersonic vehicles.

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-searching-for-hypersonic-vehicle-materials-442171/

 

[bobbymike]

Navy launches competition for hypersonic booster technology development project

The Navy has locked in requirements for a very-high-speed missile that could provide a key component for a potential prototype Conventional Prompt Strike capability and has launched a competition to design, build and ground test a booster capable of delivering a hypersonic glide body payload.

 

[marauder2048]

Mentioned upthread: Overhead Miniature Sensor Experiment for HGV Tracking (OMniSciEnt). Supposed to launch in 2020.

 

[Flyaway]

Is he the rampant anti-F-35 guy?

He's the guy who sits behind a computer, reads work done by others (possibly including stuff posted by members here), aggregates it, and then tells them how A&D sector reporting should be conducted

;D

 

[bobbymike]

https://defensesystems.com/articles/2017/10/27/afrl.aspx

 

[bobbymike]

http://physicstoday.scitation.org/doi/10.1063/PT.3.3762

Article on history of hypersonics

 

[marauder2048]

DOD flies experimental hypersonic payload; claims success, technological advances

Jason Sherman

The Pentagon successfully demonstrated a hypersonic glide vehicle Oct. 30, lofting an experimental payload on a rocket from Hawaii that -- during its ultra-fast,
unpowered flight to the Marshall Islands across the upper reaches of the atmosphere over the Pacific Ocean -- verified technological advances relevant to a potential
future U.S. military hypersonic strike system. The event -- dubbed Flight Experiment-1 -- was a high-stakes assessment three years in the making by the Defense
Department's Conventional Prompt Strike program and...

https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/dod-flies-experimental-hypersonic-payload-claims-success-technological-advances

 

[bring_it_on]

Navy launches competition for hypersonic booster technology development project

The Navy has locked in requirements for a very-high-speed missile that could provide a key component for a potential prototype Conventional Prompt Strike capability and has launched a competition to design, build and ground test a booster capable of delivering a hypersonic glide body payload.

On Oct. 20, the Navy's Strategic Systems Program office issued a final request for proposals for a Hypersonic Booster Technology Development program, giving interested companies until Dec. 20 to respond.

"The Government is seeking to demonstrate technologies related to intermediate range capability through booster design, fabrication, and validation testing," the solicitation reads. "The primary purpose of this procurement is to design two Technology Booster (TB) Solid Rocket Motor (SRM) stages."

The solicitation seeks proposals consistent with a number of non-public documents, including the Technology Booster Requirements Document and a Hypersonic Glide Body Technical Baseline.

Following the preliminary design phase for the technology booster, the contract is slated to include an option for the contractor to perform testing to validate its design, according to the solicitation. The contractor, under this option, "will also build and static fire" each demonstration technology booster stage, according to the request for proposals.

The Navy notes this technology development effort "is for limited purposes only" and neither reflects an endorsement by the Defense Department "nor does it reflect any policy consideration that may be applied to selected concepts, such as basing consideration or treaty compliance," according to the notice.

In a related effort, the Navy's SSP office has retained Lockheed Martin and Raytheon since 2014 to draft technical proposals for an offensive hypersonic weapon as part of an ongoing analysis of alternatives for a conventional prompt strike capability DOD aims to codify in a program of record by 2020.

The work by these two companies is not expected to produce a system-level development of a specific hypersonic weapon. The technical trade studies are to evaluate technology options and compare the performance and technology as well as the cost of various options.

 

[marauder2048]

Navy Conducts Flight Test to Support Conventional Prompt Strike From Ohio-Class Boomers

By: Megan Eckstein
November 3, 2017 1:09 PM



The Navy Strategic Systems Program and the Department of Defense this week tested a conventional
prompt strike capability that could one day be fielded from ballistic missile submarines.

The Pentagon’s conventional prompt global strike capability would allow the U.S. to hit any target on
the planet with precision-guided weapons in less than an hour, supplementing the comparable nuclear strike
capability and serving as another deterrence effort.

Strategic Systems Program (SSP) Director Vice Adm. Terry Benedict said on Nov. 2 that “I’m very proud to
report that at 0300 on Monday night SSP flew from Hawaii [Pacific Missile Range Facility] … the first
conventional prompt strike missile for the United States Navy in the form factor that would eventually,
could eventually be utilized if leadership chooses to do so in an Ohio-class tube. It’s a monumental achievement.”

The admiral spoke at the Naval Submarine League’s annual symposium in Arlington, Va. He credited
his organization for, in addition to working on the nuclear weapons that support the Ohio-class
boomers and their Columbia-class replacement in development now, “we have supported the
OSD AT&L defense-wide account for technology demonstration, and on our first go out of the
box a very successful flight of a conventional prompt strike maneuvering reentry body.”

The Ohio-class SSBNs today silently patrol the oceans carrying Trident II D5 sub-launched ballistic
missiles with nuclear warheads. Considered the most survivable leg of the nuclear triad – alongside
Air Force bombers and ground-based silos – these subs on patrol are capable of launching a strike
against any target on Earth. Given their reach and stealth, tying them into the conventional prompt
strike network of capabilities would add another conventional tool for operational commanders
around the world.



When asked about the test during a question and answer session, Benedict said he could not comment
further and had to refer all questions to the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition,
Technology, and Logistics (OUSD(AT&L)), which manages the conventional prompt strike capability.

Pentagon spokesman Cmdr. Patrick Evans told USNI News today that “the Navy Strategic Systems Program
(SSP), on behalf of the Department of Defense, conducted an Intermediate Range Conventional Prompt
Strike Flight Experiment-1 (CPS FE-1) test on Oct. 30, 2017, from Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai,
Hawaii. The test collected data on hypersonic boost-glide technologies and test-range performance for
long-range atmospheric flight. This data will be used by the Department of Defense to anchor ground
testing, modeling, and simulation of hypersonic flight vehicle performance and is applicable to a range of
possible Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) concepts.”

In addition to Navy and AT&L assets, the Missile Defense Agency participated in tracking and data collection
activities, he added.

Evans added that AT&L “is investigating technologies and concepts that are potentially useful for developing
intermediate-range conventional capabilities through modeling and simulation, ground tests, and flight test
experiments. OUSD(AT&L) uses a national team, comprised of Navy, Army, Air Force, national research
laboratories, and university affiliated research centers, to pursue technology development objectives.
The Navy was assigned to lead the Flight Experiment 1 (FE-1).”

https://news.usni.org/2017/11/03/navy-conducts-flight-test-support-conventional-prompt-strike-ohio-class-boomers

 

[marauder2048]

Navy reveals plans to put hypersonic strike weapon on subs if DOD elects to acquire capability

November 03, 2017 | Jason Sherman Bookmark and Share

A senior Navy official said this week the service plans to arm its Ohio-class submarines and Virginia-class attack subs with a hypersonic boost-glide weapon, in the event Defense Department leaders elect to acquire such a capability, a significant revelation about U.S. military planning for a Conventional Prompt Strike capability. Vice Adm. Terry Benedict, director of the Navy Strategic Systems Program (SSP) office, made explicit for the first time what many analysts have presumed, that the U.S. military is eyeing a..

my emphasis

https://insidedefense.com/daily-news/navy-reveals-plans-put-hypersonic-strike-weapon-subs-if-dod-elects-acquire-capability

Image is from Nelson's SMDC presentation from April 2017

 

[sferrin]

"in the event Defense Department leaders elect to acquire such a capability"

Key phrase there. Given how many possibilities they've let die on the vine I don't have a lot of confidence.