hypersonics Archives

Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante holds a press brief at the Pentagon, May 6, 2022. (DoD Photo by U.S. Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class James K. Lee)

Pentagon acquisition chief optimistic — but not certain — that hypersonics will transition into production soon

Undersecretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment William LaPlante said “the proof will be in the pudding.”

Sep 7, 2022 By Jon Harper

Purdue University’s Dr. Joseph Jewell briefs Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks on unfolding work to drive advancements in hypersonic capabilities and associated tech. (Photo by Brandi Vincent)

Hicks says Pentagon has different employment strategy for hypersonics than China, Russia

The weapons are anticipated to provide military advantage in the next era of warfare, prompting a sharp focus and major investments from America, China, Russia and others…

Aug 19, 2022 By Brandi Vincent

3d illustration of a hypersonic missile (Getty Images)

Pentagon issues new awards to universities to work on hypersonics tech

The Defense Department announced several new applied research awards for work on navigation systems, scramjets, velocity and altitude controls, and capabilities for monitoring aeroshells.

Aug 18, 2022 By Jon Harper

Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen H. Hicks speaks with reporters, during a visit to the Air Force Research Laboratory at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Aug. 17, 2022. (DoD photo by Lisa Ferdinando)

Hicks grapples with deficiencies in Pentagon’s R&D infrastructure

After visiting the Air Force Research Lab, Deputy Defense Secretary Kathleen Hicks confirmed that she’s keen to help drive the modernization of R&D facilities.

Aug 18, 2022 By Brandi Vincent

Deputy Secretary of Defense nominee Kathleen Hicks reacts to the start of her Senate confirmation hearing in Washington, D.C. Feb. 2, 2021. (DoD photo by EJ Hersom)

Hicks’ multi-state tour to focus on emerging and disruptive defense tech

Military technologies and strategic competition against China will be a primary focus for the deputy secretary of defense on her upcoming trip.

Aug 16, 2022 By Brandi Vincent

Master Sgt. John Malloy and Staff Sgt. Jacob Puente secure the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon Instrumented Measurement Vehicle 2 as it is loaded under the wing of a B-52H Stratofortress at Edwards Air Force Base, California, Aug. 6, 2020.

‘Extremely aggressive’ schedule set for next phase of ARRW hypersonic weapons testing

The program is about to move into what officials call “all-up-round testing.”

Aug 15, 2022 By Jon Harper

A hypersonic sled travels 6,400-feet per second on a monorail and is recovered as part of the Hypersonic Sled Recovery effort at the Arnold Engineering Development Complex High Speed Test Track at Holloman Air Force Base, New Mexico. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Senators propose big boost in funding to upgrade DOD’s test ranges

The chairman’s mark of the fiscal 2023 defense appropriations bill recommends spending about $1.8 billion on these efforts.

Aug 2, 2022 By Jon Harper

Senators warn of insufficiencies in US hypersonic testing infrastructure

The SASC version of the 2023 defense policy bill includes proposals and would mandate funding to address the evolving challenge.

Jul 27, 2022 By Brandi Vincent

A common hypersonic glide body (C-HGB) launches from Pacific Missile Range Facility, Kauai, Hawaii, March 19, 2020, during a Department of Defense flight experiment. (U.S. Navy photo by Luke Lamborn)

DOD fleshing out plans for next generation of hypersonic weapons

The Pentagon is creating a strategy for a "hypersonics 2.0 initiative" that aims to develop more advanced capabilities.

Jul 12, 2022 By Jon Harper

GAO calls for independent reviews of hypersonic missile interceptor program

The Pentagon needs to take a closer at the glide-phase interceptor program, a government watchdog said in a new report.

Jun 21, 2022 By Jon Harper