Hypersonics Advanced Manufacturing Test Capability (HAMTC): Accelerating Development of Hypersonic Weapons

The development of hypersonic weapon systems has become a top priority for the OSD Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program, in collaboration with NSWC Crane and S²MARTS (Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems).

Recognizing the critical need to address gaps in hypersonic weapons development, the Hypersonics Advanced Manufacturing Test Capability (HAMTC) opportunity was created in June 2021. This case study explores how the HAMTC program successfully prioritized the development of hypersonic weapon systems, reducing time and cost while delivering advanced manufacturing capabilities to the Department of Defense (DoD) for future mission requirements.

The Challenge

Though hypersonic weapons offer game-changing capabilities, including unprecedented speed, maneuverability, and precision, their development presents significant challenges. Traditional manufacturing methods struggle to meet the stringent requirements of hypersonic technology, resulting in lengthy development cycles and exorbitant costs.

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The Solution

To address these challenges, the HAMTC program aimed to leverage advanced manufacturing techniques and streamline the development process for hypersonic weapons. In June 2021, OSD Manufacturing Technology (ManTech) Program partnering with NSWC Crane and S²MARTS released the Hypersonics Advanced Manufacturing Test Capability (HAMTC) opportunity to directly address hypersonic weapons development gaps.

Through the HAMTC award, Fiber Materials, Inc. and Purdue Applied Research Institute are overcoming critical hypersonic weapons manufacturing challenges by developing a prototype that refines advanced materials manufacturing proof-of-concept for hypersonic vehicle applications for vertical supply chain integration. This will include the utilization of digital engineering tools and advanced Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes that will be implemented by OSD ManTech.

Fiber Materials, Inc. and Purdue Applied Research Institute poised to tackle hypersonic weapons development gaps.

The Outcome

  • Reduced Development Time: U.S. medical defense core capabilities. By leveraging advanced manufacturing techniques, the program significantly shortened the development cycle for hypersonic weapons. Rapid prototyping and additive manufacturing allowed for faster design iterations, testing, and refinement, accelerating the development process.

  • Cost Savings: The streamlined development process resulted in substantial cost savings. Advanced manufacturing technologies eliminated the need for expensive and time-consuming tooling, reduced material waste, and optimized production efficiency. These cost savings were reinvested into further research and development initiatives.

  • Enhanced Manufacturing Capabilities: The HAMTC program’s focus on advanced manufacturing not only expedited hypersonic weapons development but also delivered enhanced manufacturing capabilities to the DoD, overall improving the efficiency and effectiveness of their manufacturing processes.

  • Strategic Advantage: The prioritization of hypersonic weapon systems and successful integration of advanced manufacturing technologies, the HAMTC program is providing the DoD with a strategic advantage. The accelerated deployment of hypersonic weapons enhances national defense capabilities, offering a decisive edge in modern warfare.

“The OSD ManTech office is excited to see advanced manufacturing investments to complement hypersonic systems development,” stated. We are glad to be partnering with NSWC Crane, S²MARTS, Fiber Materials, Inc. and Purdue Applied Research Institute to bring advanced manufacturing principles and practices to meet this challenging mission.”

Keith DeVries, Program Manager, Manufacturing Science & Technology Program, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering

The S²MARTS OTA brings non-traditionals to the forefront of innovation.

Through the HAMTC award, Fiber Materials, Inc. and Purdue Applied Research Institute are overcoming critical hypersonic weapons manufacturing challenges by developing a prototype that refines advanced materials manufacturing proof-of-concept for hypersonic vehicle applications for vertical supply chain integration. This will include the utilization of digital engineering tools and advanced Additive Manufacturing (AM) processes that will be implemented by OSD ManTech.