Hypersonics Prototyping - Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM)

The Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) program is focused on developing a hypersonic air-launched weapon to enhance the U.S. Air Force's ability to engage high-value, time-sensitive targets in contested environments from standoff distances. This initiative aims to create an air-breathing hypersonic cruise missile that complements the existing AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW). Designed with a smaller form factor, the HACM can integrate with fighter jets and expand bomber capacity, offering diverse trajectories compared to boost-glide systems. The program leverages the Southern Cross Integrated Flight Research Experiment (SCIFiRE), a collaborative effort between the U.S. and Australia, to advance air-breathing hypersonic technologies.

The HACM program's primary objectives include integrating advanced technologies and maturing designs into an All-Up Round (AUR) prototype that demonstrates long-range prompt strike capabilities. This involves designing, developing, manufacturing, and testing prototype vehicles in both the U.S. and Australia to inform future acquisition decisions. Key technological advancements targeted by the program include subsystem integration, infrastructure improvements, digital engineering, weapons open systems architecture, modeling and simulation, analytics, and high-performance computing environments. These efforts aim to establish an adaptable and modular weapons system lifecycle.

Furthermore, the HACM program emphasizes collaboration with other weapon systems to reduce redundant costs by developing common components. It invests in analytical tools, data management systems, digital environments, networks, facilities, and security infrastructure upgrades necessary for developing these capabilities while leveraging Department of Defense (DoD) and Department of the Air Force (DAF) enterprise IT solutions. The program also plans to expand its office staff and facilities to support required classification levels for its activities.

The acquisition strategy for HACM includes leveraging SCIFiRE investments and efforts from DARPA's Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC). The program prioritizes integration on platforms like the F-15E for quick entry into flight tests. A contract was awarded to Raytheon Technologies for critical design review and development activities. The strategy also involves making targeted investments in the hypersonic cruise missile industrial base to prepare for future production programs that meet warfighter needs within short timelines.