Modern hypersonic missiles in the USA
The development of modern hypersonic missiles in the USA underscores a pivotal era in global military technology. Hypersonic missiles travel at least five times the speed of sound (Mach 5) and possess the ability to maneuver during flight, thereby challenging the current defense apparatuses of nations worldwide. The USA has been relentlessly progressing in this arena to enhance its military capabilities and ensure national security in an increasingly complex global scenario.
The race for hypersonic missile superiority is not confined within the borders of the United States. Nations like Russia and China are already flaunting their advancements in this domain, propelling an emergent need for the USA to modernize its own hypersonic arsenal. The primary allure of these missiles lies in their unparalleled speed, reduced detection time, and the consequent difficulty for enemy defense systems to intercept them effectively.
Two notable strands of hypersonic technologies currently prevail: Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs) and Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs). HGVs are launched into the atmosphere via a rocket before gliding down to their targets at hypersonic speeds, while HCMs are powered by scramjet or ramjet engines throughout their flight.
In the United States, various programs are underway to develop and perfect these technologies. The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Army are all diligently working on various projects, like the Tactical Boost Glide (TBG) program and the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC), which aim to generate viable hypersonic missile solutions.