Hypersonics

Ushering in a new era for faster, more survivable, highly capable weapons.

Scramjet Hypersonic Propulsion

Scramjet technology ushers in a new era for faster, more survivable, highly capable weapons. Not only does scramjet propulsion advance speeds greater than Mach 5 and maneuverability never seen before in traditional missiles, but it also leads to a smaller form factor missile while offering more capability. This means platforms can carry more weapons in less space.

rendering of missile inflight

Hypersonics Strike

Flying faster than a mile a second, facing scorching 2,000°F temperatures, all while maneuvering throughout flight, hypersonic missiles test the limits of possible.

We’re at the forefront of innovation, tackling seemingly impossible challenges to help create new classes of strategically important propulsion systems for our nation. With industry leading ramjets, scramjets and boosters, advanced materials, and full life-cycle development, we are leading the way for faster, more survivable, highly capable hypersonic weapons.

Facilities and Investments

We are constructing a first-of-its-kind hypersonics capability center in Elkton, Maryland, designed to provide full lifecycle production, from design and development to production and integration for hypersonic propulsion systems.

Hypersonics Capability Center Creating the Cutting Edge in Elkton, MD Hypersonic Capability Center Grand Opening
missile moving through space at a high-rate of speed

Hypersonic Boost Glide Propulsion

Hypersonic boost glide propulsion vehicles briefly exit and reenter the atmosphere, then glide and maneuver at hypersonic speeds to their targets – a combination that makes them extremely difficult to track and very effective as fast-attack weapons.

bomb exploding

Fuzes and Warheads

Building on our expertise as the only company to integrate both fuzes and warheads, Northrop Grumman’s warhead system is efficiently designed in a smaller package to support extended range and speed of the propulsion system.

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Rendering of counter hypersonics

Counter Hypersonics

Protecting the homeland and our regional forces against hypersonic capabilities from peer adversaries through detection, tracking and defensive technologies.

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Our Edge

technician using machinery

Testing

The Aerothermal Research and Testing facility tests the capabilities of electronics and equipment at conditions simulating speeds up to Mach 8.

Disruptive Technologies

Advanced materials designed to withstand extreme temperatures, structural and weight requirements of evolving air and space missions.

drawing of rocket motor fuze and warhead

Ground-Up Solutions

We consider each system as a whole and integrate with in-house tip-to-tail expertise.

rendering of missile inflight

Pushing Hypersonics Forward

Hypersonics require careful thermal management; sophisticated power needs and continuing calls for miniaturization.

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Digital Engineering Tools

Digital modeling equals higher-performance weapons that are developed, tested and fielded faster than ever.

Celebrating 71 Years of Advanced Propulsion

sunrise from space

Media Contact

Kailen Brant
443-465-8963