Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM)

Abstract

Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) is a hypersonic air-launched weapon that will enable the U.S. to hold fixed, high value, time-sensitive targets at risk in contested environments from standoff distances. The Air Force is developing an air-launched boost-glide hypersonic weapon - the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) - as well as the air-breathing HACM capability. ARRW and HACM are complementary. HACM offers a smaller form factor than ARRW for fighter integration and expanded bomber capacity, and thereby imposes cost on potential adversaries with additional complexity with vastly different trajectories than boost glide. The program leverages Southern Cross Integrated Flight Research Experiment (SCIFiRE) investment, a bi-lateral U.S./Australian air-breathing hypersonic cruise missile prototyping effort which is a prelude to HACM. The HACM program will integrate advanced technologies and mature designs into an All-Up Round (AUR) prototype that will demonstrate a field-able long range prompt strike capability. HACM will design, develop, manufacture, and test (testing will occur in both the U.S. and Australia) a number of prototype vehicles to inform future HACM acquisition decisions. HACM will mature hypersonic technologies and processes to include: subsystem integration, infrastructure and testing advancements, Digital Engineering (DE), Weapons Open Systems Architecture (WOSA), modeling and simulation, analytics, and high performance computing environments. Implements Digital Acquisition tenants of Open, Agile, and Digital; builds and establishes industrial base innovation around the program's enterprise for modularity and adaptability for the life cycle of the weapons system. Leverages common component development, in collaboration with other weapon systems, to reduce redundant costs between systems with similar subsystems requirements. Invests in analytical, data management, digital environments, networks, facilities, and security infrastructure upgrades supporting development of this program's capabilities, while leveraging DoD and DAF enterprise IT solutions. Expands program office staff, facilities, and security infrastructure to support the required classification levels for this program's activities. Engages with DoD, DAF, and industry stakeholders to refine threat analysis, refine inventory requirements, and plan upgrade requirements. Capitalizes on and incorporates successful laboratory research and development efforts applicable to this program's capability. The total cost of the HACM Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is 1901.59 million, including RDT&E. The HACM is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program. This PE is not a new start. HACM was previously listed under both 0604033F/BPAC 643883 and PE 0604183F/BPAC 644183 and was consolidated to this PE (0604183F/BPAC 644183). This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such programs funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605827F, 0605828F, 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605832F, 0605833F, 0605898F, 0606398F. In FY 2022 1.151M was expensed for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2023 8.208M, and FY 2024 8.381M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This effort is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P), because efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment.

Document Details

• Document Type: Project
• Publication Date: Oct 01, 2024
• Source ID: 644183_0604183F_4_3600_PB_2024

Tags

Fields of Study

• Computer science

Readers

• Aerospace Engineering.
• Military Science and Technology Research and Modernization.
• Missile Defense Systems.

Technology Areas

• Hypersonics