Small-Scale Air-Launched Hypersonic Weapon System

The team of GoHypersonic Inc. (GHI) and SPARC Research (SPARC), with support from Northrop Grumman Defense Systems (NGDS), is pleased to propose a Manufacturable, Affordable, Ramjet System (MARS). Our solution meets the US Navy’s requirements as specified by SBIR solicitation #N232-093 for a Small-Scale Air-Launched Hypersonic Weapon System.The Navy seeks a cost-effective alternative to traditional approaches for design, fabrication and testing of new systems. Our proposed approach leverages contemporary expertise, small-business agility, and a flexible architecture to transform the development and sustainment life cycle. Our baseline MARS All-Up Round (AUR) concept builds upon our experience gained thru IR&D, the TTCP, Thresher, and the ASALM programs along with our workforce expertise in airframe and propulsion system design and development.GHI will design and develop the airframe and integrate all system elements into the weapon system. SPARC will design and develop a solid-fueled integral rocket ramjet propulsion system. NGDS will support GHI's IRAD activities, providing systems knowledge, mature subsystem solutions (seeker, effector, WDL) and manufacturing expertise.The SBIR topic objective is to “develop and demonstrate a scalable Hypersonic Surface Strike Missile airframe and propulsion system for integration onto a carrier-based strike aircraft (e.g., F/A-18, F-35).” We recognize the Navy’s need for strike weapons with range & speed improvements and multi-platform flexibility. Our baseline MARS AUR meets the Navy’s capability objectives. Our modular architecture supports life-cycle flexibility.During the Phase I base effort, GHI and SPARC demonstrated a preliminary AUR design responsive to the Navy SBIRs program objectives at a full rate production (FRP) unit cost near $1M at 1000 units per year, primarily using sheet metal manufacturing methods.During Phase II, the GHI team will continue to work with the Navy to 1) develop and refine design requirements, interfaces, and program documents, 2) modify the configuration to meet these requirements as needed, 3) refine and expand airframe/propulsion system manufacturing approaches, focused on high-cost, long-lead components and comparing alternatives to create cost-effective, production-scalable systems, with the goal of a FRP unit cost below $600K, 4) and test the propulsion system to validate performance. GHI and SPARC are excited to work closely with the government and industry partners to successfully execute and complete this program. We are confident our team has the know-how, expertise, and design concept to meet or exceed the Navy’s Small-Scale Air-Launched Hypersonic Weapon System requirements.