Hypersonics Prototyping - Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM)

Mission — Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) source

Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) is an air-launched, air breathing hypersonic weapon capable of integration on fighter and bombers and enable the U.S. to hold fixed, high value, time-sensitive targets at risk in contested environments from standoff distances. The program leverages investment from the Southern Cross Integrated Flight Research Experiment (SCIFiRE), a bi-lateral U.S./Australian air-breathing hypersonic cruise missile prototyping effort. The HACM program will integrate advanced technologies and mature designs into an All-Up Round (AUR) prototype that will demonstrate a field-able long range prompt strike capability. HACM will design, develop, manufacture, and test prototype vehicles to inform future HACM acquisition decisions. HACM will mature hypersonic technologies and processes to include: subsystem integration, infrastructure and testing advancements, Digital Engineering (DE), Weapons Open Systems Architecture (WOSA), Modeling and Simulation (M&S), analytics, and high performance computing environments. Implements Digital Acquisition tenants of Open, Agile, and Digital; builds and establishes industrial base innovation around the program's enterprise for modularity and adaptability for the life cycle of the weapons system. Leverages common component development, in collaboration with other weapon systems, to reduce redundant costs between systems with similar subsystems requirements. Invests in analytical, data management, digital environments, networks, facilities, and security infrastructure upgrades supporting development of this program's capabilities, while leveraging DoD and DAF enterprise IT solutions. Expands program office staff, facilities, and security infrastructure to support the required classification levels for this program's activities. Engages with DoD, DAF, and industry stakeholders to refine threat analysis, refine inventory requirements, and plan upgrade requirements. Capitalizes on and incorporates successful laboratory research and development efforts applicable to this program's capability. The FY 2026 cost of Middle Tier of Acquisition for HACM is reflected in the budget request, including RDT&E and procurement of prototype units. The Department will certify Future Years Defense Program (FYDP) funding in a future budget submission. The FY 2026 request was reduced by $0.624 million for Advisory and Assistance Services to promote efficiencies and advance the policies of the Administration in alignment with Executive Order 14222, "Implementing the President's Department of Government Efficiency Cost Efficiency Initiative.” This program element may include necessary civilian pay expenses required to manage, execute, and deliver weapon system capability. The use of such program funds would be in addition to the civilian pay expenses budgeted in program element 0605829F, 0605831F, 0605833F, or 0605898F. In FY 2024 8.255M was expended for civilian pay expenses in this program element, and in FY 2025 11.738M was forecasted for civilian pay expenses in this program element. This effort is in Budget Activity 4, Advanced Component Development and Prototypes (ACD&P), because efforts are necessary to evaluate integrated technologies, representative modes or prototype systems in a high fidelity and realistic operating environment.

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (3)