Falcon
Abstract
(U) The Falcon program objectives are to develop and demonstrate hypersonic technologies that will enable prompt global reach missions. The technologies include high lift-to-drag techniques, high temperature materials, precision navigation, guidance and control, communications through plasma, and an autonomous flight safety system. Leveraging technology developed under the Hypersonic Flight (HyFly) program, Falcon will address the implications of hypersonic flight and reusability using a series of hypersonic technology vehicles (HTVs) to incrementally demonstrate these required technologies in flight. The HTV-2 program will demonstrate enabling hypersonic technologies for future operational systems through rocket-boosted hypersonic flights with sufficient cross-range and downrange performance to evaluate thermal protection systems, aerodynamic shapes, maneuverability, and long-range communication for hypersonic cruise and re-entry vehicle applications. The Falcon program addresses many high priority mission areas and applications such as global presence and space lift. DARPA established a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the Air Force for the HTV-2 program in May 2003 and with NASA in October 2004. Since 2008, the effort has been jointly funded with the Office of Secretary of Defense Global Strike program office. Falcon capabilities are planned for transition to the Air Force in FY 2011.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Accomplishment
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2011
- Source ID
- 0f23ad3d5439294fe4476d7e7360a2db