Hypersonics

Hypersonic weapons can travel at five times the speed of sound – Mach 5 and faster – covering vast distances in minutes.

Hypersonics

Why hypersonics? System effectiveness and the need for speed.

In terms of effectiveness, the speed and altitude at which these vehicles fly significantly challenge an adversary’s ability to detect, track, target and engage. Both are key for aiding access to hostile environments, which improves the effectiveness of more conventional weapon systems.

As for speed, a hypersonic weapon traveling at rates greater than Mach 5 is flying at least a mile per second. This kind of velocity allows us to reach fleeting targets well before they get away.

Counter Hypersonics

It is our national imperative to counter the hypersonic threat posed by other countries.

Raytheon Missiles & Defense is working with the government and industry to develop layered solutions aimed at detecting, tracking and ultimately defeating modern hypersonic weapons. 

We have the expertise, advanced technologies and proven experience in every aspect of the kill chain to protect against this evolving threat. 

Hypersonic weapons are one of the most prolific emerging threats, and Raytheon Missiles & Defense is a leader in advanced hypersonic weapons development.  

We have a unique, comprehensive approach that uses advanced technologies across our defense portfolio. 

It is our end-to-end solution that offers a tailored and layered approach for specific threats. 

Advanced Technologies

Guiding a hypersonic vehicle to its target is challenging. A missile heats up as it accelerates through the atmosphere and its sensitive inner electronics must be protected from blazing temperatures without adding extra weight, which can affect speed, range and guidance.

Raytheon Missiles & Defense engineers are advancing technologies and skills to meet and overcome these challenges. We’re using state-of-the art expertise, our decades of experience and company resources to accelerate development of hypersonic weapons by investing in new infrastructure, people and technology. Fielding these weapons is vital to our national security.

The company is pursuing several hypersonic weapon platforms with complementary, versatile capabilities. Deployable from land, sea and air, these weapons will be able to perform multiple missions.