The program seeks to develop and demonstrate a novel ground-launched system, which enables hypersonic boost glide weapons to penetrate modern enemy air defences and engage critical time sensitive targets.

Specifically:

• Northrop Grumman has been tasked with developing the stage one solid rocket motor;
• Dynetics has been tasked with developing the cannister, all up round and fins, and support integration and test; and
• ECE has been tasked with providing the booster power pyro module.

“The engineering innovation required to deliver this manoeuvrable and rapid-response solution demands a best-of-industry team,” Steven Botwinik, Lockheed’s director of tactical and strike missiles advanced programs, said.

“OpFires and its unique throttleable booster make it a versatile platform to launch a variety of payloads over varied ranges and for this reason, OpFires is well-suited to address the Army’s Medium Range Strategic Fires needs.”

Lockheed Martin has worked to develop and demonstrate hypersonic technologies capability for more than 30 years.

Lockheed Martin stated that it expects to complete its first live fire in 2021.

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[Related: Lockheed Martin renews F-35 contract with Solvay]

Charbel Kadib

News Editor – Defence and Security, Momentum Media

Prior to joining the defence and aerospace team in 2020, Charbel was news editor of The Adviser and Mortgage Business, where he covered developments in the banking and financial services sector for three years. Charbel has a keen interest in geopolitics and international relations, graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a double major in politics and journalism. Charbel has also completed internships with The Australian Department of Communications and the Arts and public relations agency Fifty Acres.