New US Hypersonic Cruise Missile Built to Exceed Mach 5 Enters Tests
The scramjet-powered missile has reached flight testing after delays, and the Air Force plans to make a 2027 production decision.
- The U.S. Air Force confirmed on Monday that it conducted a flight test of the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile over a designated Australian test range, marking a significant milestone for the program.
- Operating under the Southern Cross Integrated Flight Research Experiment , the test leverages a collaborative project built on more than 15 years of partnership between the U.S. Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force .
- Utilizing a conventional rocket booster to reach high speeds, the test unit engaged a scramjet engine to maintain speeds above Mach 5, or 3,300 miles per hour, following its release.
- Seeking about $1.2 billion in its fiscal 2027 budget, the Air Force also requested $404 million for a dedicated production line to support rapid fielding of the weapon.
- Facing a 'zero margin' development timeline as reported by the Government Accountability Office , the service has descoped the rapid-prototyping effort from seven to five flight tests to meet 2027 goals.
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HACM takes flight in first test
The secretive Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile took flight for the first time recently during the Southern Cross Integrated Flight Research Experiment in collaboration with Australia, according to an Air Force spokesperson. “The Royal Australian Air Force executed the release of a HACM flight test unit over a designated Australian test range, gathering crucial data to advance the program's objectives,” the spokesperson said. “The flight was the …
HACM started its flight tests as part of a program that seeks to accelerate the development of hypersonic weapons for the U.S. Air Force.
For years, the US program for a new hypersonic rocket has been delayed. Now, Australia was the first test under real conditions.
US-Australia hypersonic push no silver bullet against China
The inaugural flight-test release of a US air-launched hypersonic weapon over an Australian weapons range demonstrates both nations’ push for standoff hypersonic strike, yet the weapon’s true combat value hinges on whether allied airbases and kill chains can survive China’s long-range fires. This month, multiple media outlets reported that the US Air Force, in partnership […]
After several delays, the U.S. Air Force managed to test its hypersonic missile in Australia. They want to acquire more of this type next year after arriving at the flight testing phase.
Air Force’s Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile Has First Flight Test
The U.S. Air Force has conducted the first flight test release of its developing hypersonic cruise missile, with that test taking place in Australia. The post Air Force’s Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile Has First Flight Test appeared first on Air & Space Forces Magazine.
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