A rendering of hypersonic missile test. Image, Dynetics.
Leidos’ Dynetics team has completed a large-scale test for its MACH-TB program, which aims to increase the speed of testing for hypersonic systems. The program includes the development of an experimental glide body (EGB) to gather data and validate performance.
The successful test involved the hypersonic insertion of a payload from a commercial launch vehicle. Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 2 at Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport was chosen for the inaugural launch. The next phase of the program will focus on expanding testing opportunities to further develop hypersonic flight capabilities. Leidos aims to provide the US with an advantage in the global competition.
Leidos, a Fortune 500® technology, engineering and science solutions and service leader, announced its Dynetics team has successfully completed a large-scale test for its MACH-TB program. The Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) program is meant to increase the speed of testing for all commercially available hypersonic systems. The program also called for the creation of an experimental glide body (EGB) that will allow the team to gather data on and validate performance of hypersonic glide body components.
“This successful test has demonstrated first hypersonic insertion of a payload from a commercial launch vehicle and the team is ready to move forward into the next phase of this program,” said Leidos CEO Tom Bell. “It took our MACH-TB team only 45 days to create this innovative technology demonstration, which highlights our ability to deliver on promises.”
The inaugural launch took place on June 17 at 9:24 p.m. UTC from Rocket Lab’s Launch Complex 2 at Virginia’s Mid-Atlantic Regional Spaceport within NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility. Rocket Lab was selected by Leidos to provide hypersonic test launch capabilities under the MACH-TB project awarded by Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane through the Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S2MARTS) Other Transaction Authority (OTA) vehicle on behalf of the U.S. Department of Defense.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to pushing forward the boundaries of hypersonic innovation,” said Dr. Angie Lewis, NSWC Crane Technical Director. “Our approach will accelerate progress so that the nation has the right capabilities to counter and address the threat landscape today and throughout this decisive decade.”
The next phase of the program will expand upon this successful test to develop additional opportunities to increase the U.S.’ cadence of hypersonic flight testing in support of technology maturation.
“This cutting-edge technology has yet to be developed and is breaking new ground for an important and necessary sector of our industry,” concluded Bell. “Leidos is proud to manufacture a test bed that can provide the U.S. with an advantage in the great power competition.”
Certain statements in this announcement constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
