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 (M&S), 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 Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile Middle Tier of Acquisition effort is 1,868.6 million, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The HACM RP program is fully funded across the Future Years Defense Program.. This Program Element is not a new start. HACM was previously listed under both PE 0604033F/project 643883 and PE 0604183F/project 644183 and was consolidated to this PE (0604183F/project 644183) during the FY 2023 Omnibus Appropriation Act. This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program's funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605828F. In PY 6.520M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in CY 12.135M is forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This program element may include necessary emergent or unanticipated civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver HACM for emergent or unanticipated weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605828F. 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, 2025
- Source ID
- 644183_0604183F_4_3600_PB_2025
Related Documents
- Root: Hypersonics Prototyping - Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM)
- Child Accomplishment: HACM Development
- Child Accomplishment: Integration, Qualification, and Test
- Child Accomplishment: Program Support
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- Child Cost Item: 09db84ec0c3fc28a19e68895d0b9f7e3
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