Hypersonics Prototyping

The Hypersonics Prototyping program, identified as Program Element (PE) 0604033F within the Air Force Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) budget, is focused on advancing hypersonic weapon technologies through prototyping and demonstration activities. The primary goal of this program is to bridge the gap between laboratory research and operational deployment, enabling the integration and demonstration of emerging hypersonic technologies in environments that closely resemble actual combat conditions. This approach allows Air Force leadership to make informed decisions regarding future investments and strategies for hypersonic systems based on real-world prototype performance and testing data.

A key objective of the Hypersonics Prototyping program is to accelerate the maturation and transition of hypersonic technologies to operational capability, with a particular emphasis on long-range, prompt strike weapons. The program supports the development of infrastructure, digital engineering, open systems architecture, modeling and simulation, analytics, and high-performance computing environments necessary for hypersonic technology advancement. By investing in these areas, the program aims to build technical capacity, collect valuable test data, and foster collaboration among various hypersonic initiatives within the Department of Defense (DoD).

Within this program element, the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) project integrates Air Force and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) technologies into a prototype weapon system designed to demonstrate the feasibility of a long-range, air-launched hypersonic strike capability. ARRW activities included design, development, manufacturing, and testing of prototype vehicles, which provided critical data to inform acquisition and production decisions for future hypersonic weapons.

The ARRW project was managed by the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, Armament Directorate, at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. The acquisition strategy followed Section 804 Rapid Prototyping guidelines, with contracts awarded to industry partners for critical design review, procurement of long-lead materials, and execution of flight tests. In FY 2024, the program completed its rapid prototyping phase, with remaining funds used for post-prototyping activities such as hardware upgrades, design trades, and enterprise-wide hypersonic technology development.

In addition to direct product development, the program supported test and evaluation activities, management services, and civilian pay expenses. These support activities ensured effective program execution and oversight throughout the prototyping and demonstration phases.

The Hypersonics Prototyping program also coordinated with other related budget elements, such as PE 0604183F for the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), which was transferred out in FY 2024 to continue development under a separate line. This coordination allows hypersonic programs to leverage shared resources, technical advancements, and lessons learned, thereby maximizing the impact of DoD investments in hypersonic technology. The program element includes all necessary expenses to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability, supplementing civilian pay budgeted in other RDT&E program elements.

The objectives of PE 0604033F are to demonstrate and validate hypersonic weapon concepts, inform future procurement and operational decisions, and advance the technical foundation required for next-generation strike capabilities. By focusing on prototyping and high-fidelity testing, the program aims to reduce risk, accelerate technology transition, and ensure the Air Force maintains a competitive edge in hypersonic weapon systems.