With a new hypersound: achievements and failures of the creators of hypersonic missiles in the past year
Despite all the difficulties caused by the coronavirus pandemic, as well as the economic problems associated with it, the most powerful countries in the world have been confidently working on promising hypersonic weapons systems for twelve months. Perhaps the final result was not quite the same as it was seen, but the road will be mastered by the walking one.
"Zircon": official birth
Characteristics (hypothetical):
Type: sea-based hypersonic anti-ship missile;
Flight speed: as part of the tests, the rocket reached a flight speed of M = 8;
Range: 600–1000 kilometers;
Warhead weight: about 400 kilograms;
Carriers: Project 885 submarines, promising fifth-generation submarines, as well as surface ships equipped with 3S14 (UKSK) universal shipborne firing systems.
The Zircon rocket is sometimes referred to as weaponscapable
We will not now try to find out whether this is so: obviously, the final conclusions are still very, very far away.
One thing can be stated with complete certainty: the rocket development program is actively developing. In February, it became known about the first test of the Zircon from the ship. The target was located on the ground range. On October 6, 2020, according to the Russian Ministry of Defense, the project 22350 frigate "Admiral Gorshkov" for the first time performed shooting hypersonic cruise missile "Zirkon" against a sea target located in the Barents Sea. The product was able to hit a target located at a distance of 450 kilometers, while reaching a speed of more than M = 8, which confirms the previously announced characteristics.
These tests marked a turning point in the program for ordinary observers: in fact, for the first time, Russia officially demonstrated a new weapon model.
Previously, perhaps the only clear confirmation of the existence of the rocket was a photograph of 2019, which captured the transport and launch containers (TLC) on board the Admiral Gorshkov frigate. Similar to those that should be used for Zircons.
In December 2020, a video of new Zircon tests was posted on the official channel of the Russian Ministry of Defense.
- says the description of the video.
In addition to the presentation of a hypersonic missile, the timing of the adoption of the complex into service was announced. According to Deputy Defense Minister Alexei Krivoruchko, the complex with the Zircon hypersonic anti-ship missile will be adopted by the Russian army in late 2021 or early 2022. Prior to this, the Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Navy, Admiral Nikolai Evmenov, said that one of the frigates would be the first to receive the new complex.
ARRW: Fast Rocket Shallow Steps
Characteristics (hypothetical):
Type: air-launched hypersonic missile;
Flight speed: from M=6,5 to M=8;
Range: approximately 1600 kilometers;
Warhead mass: unknown;
Carriers: B-52H strategic bombers (can carry four ARRW missiles on an external sling - two on each pylon), B-1B, and also, possibly, a promising B-21 Raider stealth bomber.
The Americans are now implementing the concept of a hypersonic triad, in which new and largely unified systems should receive the Navy, Air Force and ground forces.
Perhaps the most attention in 2020 was focused on the promising AGM-183 ARRW air-launched hypersonic missile or Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon. This is a solid-propellant missile equipped with a detachable hypersonic gliding warhead.
This year, for the first time, the characteristics of the product, even if approximate, were revealed: they were voiced by US Air Force Major General Andrew J. Gebara in an interview with Air Force Magazine. As expected, the thesis that the complex will be able to develop a speed of M=20 turned out to be wrong (at least if we trust the new information). The actual flight speed will be from M=6,5 to M=8. Which, of course, is also not enough.
In July 2020, new tests of the AGM-183 took place. As before, the B-52 strategic bomber acted as a carrier.
As before, there were no direct missile launches. Two prototypes of the AGM-183A were hung on the plane. One of them was equipped with a telemetry unit, and the second received some details of the control system.
Notably, a B-1B bomber recently launched an AGM-158 JASSM cruise missile from an external mount. It is assumed that the experience gained can be used to test hypersonic weapons from an aircraft.
HAWC and HCSW: the main losers
HAWC specifications (estimated):
Type: air-launched hypersonic missile;
Flight speed (cruising): M=5 or more;
Range: unknown;
Warhead mass: unknown;
Carriers: various American fighters. First of all, F-15E and F-35.
The HAWC (Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept) hypersonic missile, in all likelihood, can be called the main disappointment of the year when it comes to the development and testing of hypersonic systems.
Recall that the complex is not a very large tactical hypersonic missile, which should be able to hit both stationary and moving targets. Unlike the AGM-183A, it will receive a ramjet engine. The bidders are Raytheon and Lockheed Martin. It was Lockheed Martin that was allegedly involved in the recent failed tests.
It is not known exactly what happened at the end of 2020. According to Air Force Magazine, the Americans unsuccessfully tested the product from a B-52 bomber. According to the data presented, the problem lay in the mechanical aspects of the launch: because of this, the launch from the strategic bomber had to be canceled.
– said on this occasion an informed source.
Previously, a more serious failure befell a project with a similar name and a similar concept - HCSW or Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon.
In February, Air Force Magazine reported that the program had simply been shut down. The reason is trivial - lack of funds.
Perhaps in the near future we are waiting for new postponements and new curtailment of once ambitious projects.
Information