OpFires Hypersonic Boost Glide program will have test launches from 2020-2022

DARPA and the US Army Operational Fires (OpFires) program will develop and demonstrate a novel ground-launched hypersonic boost-glide weapons to penetrate modern enemy air defenses and rapidly and precisely engage critical time-sensitive targets. Aerojet Rocketdyne, Exquadrum, and Sierra Nevada Corporation have been given contracts.

OpFires seeks to develop innovative propulsion solutions that will enable a mobile, ground-launched tactical weapons delivery system capable of carrying a variety of payloads to a variety of ranges. Phase 1 of the program will be a 12-month effort focused on early development and demonstration of booster solutions that provide variable thrust propulsion across robust operational parameters in large tactical missiles.

“OpFires represents a critical capability development in support of the Army’s investments in long-range precision fires,” says DARPA’s OpFires program manager, Maj. Amber Walker (U.S. Army). “These awards are the first step in the process to deliver this capability in support of U.S. overmatch.”

The OpFires program will conduct a series of subsystem tests designed to evaluate component design and system compatibility for future tactical operating environments. Phase 2 will mature designs and demonstrate performance with hot/static fire tests targeted for late 2020. Phase 3, which will focus on weapon system integration, will culminate in integrated end-to-end flight tests in 2022.

4 thoughts on “OpFires Hypersonic Boost Glide program will have test launches from 2020-2022”

  1. So sad that the peoples tax money is spent on munitions. Most people of the world are tired of war. It’s the ruling class who want war. They make huge money off it. People stand up and demand change!

  2. Just buy a dozen Falcon 9s, six at Vandenburg, six at Patrick. Build/buy a couple hundred throwaway second stages and terminal boost/glide impactors. Land the booster, reload, relaunch in a day. Hit a couple of targets worldwide a day indefinitely, surge to 12 a day for a short time. Done and dusted.

  3. So sad that the peoples tax money is spent on munitions. Most people of the world are tired of war. It’s the ruling class who want war. They make huge money off it. People stand up and demand change!

  4. Just buy a dozen Falcon 9s, six at Vandenburg, six at Patrick. Build/buy a couple hundred throwaway second stages and terminal boost/glide impactors. Land the booster, reload, relaunch in a day. Hit a couple of targets worldwide a day indefinitely, surge to 12 a day for a short time. Done and dusted.

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