AMERICA'S HYPERSONIC ATTACK CRUISE MISSILE PROGRAM: AN OVERVIEW
Science can provide us with truly impressive feats. Take for instance the beautiful miracle of flight that helps us quickly get from point A to point B. However, this miracle can become problematic when misused. But time marches on and discoveries continue to be made. Therefore, the United States of America needs to be ready for what may come. Enter the idea of hypersonic missiles. Such weaponry can travel so fast that radar systems can’t find them. Additionally, they can deliver devastating explosive power to their targets. The Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile is one option that the U.S. is exploring as it ramps up investment and interest in such weapons. Related read: Why Does Japan Want to Buy the Subsonic Tomahawk Cruise Missile?
Raytheon is Developing America’s Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile
The AGM-183 ARRW was supposed to be the hypersonic weapon America could rely on. However, initial testing in 2023 fell flat. Despite this, there is a renewed interest in additional tests. However, some military experts saw this as a reason to focus more on the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile. When the Air Force announced the hypersonic missile contract award, Raytheon won the job of creating America’s Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM). The creation of a HACM would help America establish its program once and for all. As it stands, the two nations that are creating and deploying hypersonic weapons are also two of our biggest rivals. Both China and Russia are capable and ready should war break out. But now, America is realizing that lagging behind is no longer acceptable. Many lawmakers have proposed improving the focus and investment into such weaponry by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD). The latest fiscal budget reflects a noted change toward the future of our nation’s hypersonic program.
Why America Needs to Consider the HACM Missile
It’s always a good idea to have options and the development of the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile Raytheon is creating a prime example. This is because while ARRW missiles are a viable option in theory, so far, they have produced less than impressive results. Pursuing both seems to be a better option for a country playing catch up to other nations during a time in which tensions are rising. However, here’s why a Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile built by Raytheon continues to be of particular importance:
- America’s creating a hypersonic missile, but the ARRW missile test in March 2023 didn’t go well.
- Following the failure of the ARRW program, Secretary Frank Kendall told a defense subcommittee, “We’re more committed to HACM at this point in time than we are to ARRW.”
- This opened the door back up for additional focus on the HACM efforts as another solution.
- Back in August 2023, additional testing occurred. Stay tuned for the release of results.
- Even more tests for ARRW missiles are happening later in 2023.
Derived from previous Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) and SCIFiRE hypersonic programs, HACMs use a scramjet engine and are capable of reaching well over 5,000 mph. Suggested read: How the Missile Defense System Protects America
Can a Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile Carry a Nuke?
A Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile can fly at very fast speeds and at relatively low altitudes. This means that it can stay undetected and is very difficult to stop. Additionally, equipping these missiles with nuclear weapons creates a devastating payload. Part of why we haven’t all blown each other up is because we know that if one person launches a weapon, the others will respond. This leads to everyone losing because of world destruction. But undetectable nuclear weapons could open up a whole new era of nuclear warfare. When the U.S. creates its Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile or any other hypersonic weapon, it’ll once again find itself on equal footing with its top rivals. But for now, more research is needed to make the advancements America needs to maintain its national defense goals. Read next: What Is a Hypersonic Missile and How Is the U.S. Mitigating Their Threat?