Posted on 11/20/2021 2:24:34 PM PST by BenLurkin
The companies will "complete an accelerated concept design" of a glide phase interceptor capable of tracking and targeting hypersonic missiles as they travel toward their target. The interceptors will be designed to integrate with the Pentagon’s existing Aegis Ballistic Missile Defense system.
Further details on the contract were not made public, but Reuters reported the companies received separate contracts with a total value of $60 million.
"Multiple awards allow us to execute a risk reduction phase to explore industry concepts and maximize the benefits of a competitive environment to demonstrate the most effective and reliable Glide Phase Interceptor for regional hypersonic defense, as soon as possible," said Rear Adm. Tom Druggan, MDA’s Sea-based Weapon Systems program executive.
The contracts were announced amid growing competition between the U.S., China and Russia to develop hypersonic missiles. The missiles fly five times faster than the speed of sound and are capable of maneuvering en route to their target, sparking fears they could avoid traditional defense systems.
(Excerpt) Read more at foxbusiness.com ...
Yep. But the goal wasn’t hypersonic missies, but something much, much more ambitious. Too ambitious, as it turned out.
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