WALLOPS ISLAND, Va. – Dynetics has completed a large-scale test for its Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) program, Leidos announced.
The 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 that will allow the team to gather data on and validate performance of hypersonic glide body components.
“This successful test has demonstrated the 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 49 days to create this innovative technology demonstration, which highlights our ability to deliver on promises.”
The inaugural launch took place last Friday 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 Crane.
“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,” Bell said. “Leidos is proud to manufacture a test bed that can provide the U.S. with an advantage in the great power competition.”
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