Pentagon taps six vendors for next-gen Mach 5+ hypersonic missiles

The Pentagon has launched a $68 million initiative to advance Mach 5+ hypersonic missile technology by awarding contracts to six non-traditional vendors, including Leidos, GoHypersonic, Kratos, Purdue Applied Research Institute, Halo Engines, and Special Aerospace Services. These companies will work under Other Transaction Agreements (OTAs) in partnership with the Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division to overcome key engineering challenges such as extreme heat and aerodynamic instability caused by hypersonic speeds. The focus is on developing missiles that are not only extremely fast but also maneuverable and effective, leveraging science-and-technology advancements to improve propulsion, aerodynamics, and mission planning. The program emphasizes rapid development through a three-year performance period, relying heavily on advanced digital modeling and simulation to compensate for limited physical testing infrastructure in the U.S. This approach allows engineers to predict missile behavior under extreme conditions and refine designs before flight testing. Managed by the National Security Technology Accelerator (NSTXL) via the S2MARTS