Hypersonic Booster
Abstract
The Navy currently lacks the ability to demonstrate a ship-launched, DARPA-developed HAWC Cruiser as the original USAF-RAAF air-launch effort did not address naval capabilities. Hypersonic Booster will develop a CVN-capable HAWC AUR for air-launched flight demonstration that will require a 25% reduction in overall length to enable fitment in CVN weapons elevators). The goal from the outset will be to leverage DARPA-developed HAWC program for naval applications. It will flight test a CVN compliant, Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) All-Up-Round (AUR) to demonstrate airframe and booster propulsion technologies. The Activity identified in Project Unit 3453 specifically addresses Advanced Technology Development in support of the Hypersonic Booster INP effort. INP investments represent game changing technologies with the potential to revolutionize operational concepts. They are disruptive in nature, as they would dramatically change the way naval forces fight. Due to high technical risk, INPs typically have long duration but have no more than three years between decision points. INPs do not develop hardware for service use, rather they prove technological and production feasibility, and show naval utility and acquisition potential. The Office of Naval Research (ONR) demonstrates INPs in relevant environments. Successful experimentation and demonstrations present the Department of the Navy with disruptive capabilities that may lead to the obsolescence of existing capabilities and acquisition programs. The Department of the Navy would have to make significant acquisition decisions to integrate the new technological capabilities into naval warfighting systems. INPs are selected by a process that involves senior leadership in the Department of the Navy. Information security concerns preclude fully detailed descriptions of project efforts, research activities, and technology development plans. Specific information on each project and activity will be provided separately to the Congressional oversight committees.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2021
- Source ID
- 3453_0603801N_3_1319_PB_2021