The U.S. Air Force’s Hypersonic Scramjet Missile has left a lasting impression with its final test, demonstrating the immense potential and capability of this new breed of weaponry. Hypersonic missiles, which can travel at speeds of Mach 5 and beyond, are changing the landscape of modern warfare. The HAWC missile, powered by a scramjet engine, was a major milestone in the Air Force’s hypersonic airbreathing program, pushing the limits of what is possible with this technology.
The final test of the HAWC saw it reach Mach 5 flight and travel an impressive 300 nautical miles at 60,000 feet, making it the most successful hypersonic airbreathing program in U.S. history. The Air Force is already pursuing two other missile systems, but the HAWC serves as a valuable “technology pathfinder” for the future, providing valuable insights and lessons for future hypersonic efforts.
The use of a scramjet engine, which can exceed speeds of Mach 5, makes hypersonic missiles highly deadly and unpredictable. In order to keep up with the rapidly advancing global hypersonic programs, the Air Force is launching a new initiative called More Opportunities with HAWC (MOHAWC). This new initiative will take the lessons learned from the HAWC program and apply them to future developments in the hypersonic community.
The HAWC program has also made a significant impact on the development of hypersonic technology. It has helped create a new generation of hypersonic engineers and scientists, bringing progress to the airbreathing hypersonic community and advancing the capabilities of this cutting-edge technology. The U.S. Air Force’s Hypersonic Scramjet Missile has set a high standard for the future of hypersonic weaponry and has left a lasting impression on the world.
