A New Era of Naval Warfare: Hypersonics and Its Impact

The advent of hypersonic weapons, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, is revolutionizing the global military landscape. Their unparalleled speed, maneuverability and range render existing defense systems ineffective. As more nations invest in and deploy these weapons, the implications for naval warfare and global security are far-reaching.

Given the dramatic shift in naval warfare, let’s explore the world of hypersonic weapons and its implications for naval strategy and global security in this new era.

Understanding Hypersonic Technology and the Technologies Driving It Forward

Hypersonic weapons are characterized by their ability to travel at speeds significantly exceeding the speed of sound. This high speed makes them difficult to detect and intercept, posing a huge threat to adversaries.

The technology behind these weapon systems is complex, involving advanced materials, propulsion systems and guidance systems.

Hypersonic technology relies on a combination of advanced systems. Scramjet engines are one aspect, as they enable sustained hypersonic flight by compressing air directly within the engine, eliminating the need for bulky oxidizer tanks. Heat-resistant materials like ceramics and composites are also crucial for withstanding the extreme temperatures generated during hypersonic flight. Sophisticated guidance systems ensure accurate targeting and delivery, even at hypersonic speeds.

Recent Developments in Hypersonic Naval Warfare

Hypersonic technologies have seen several applications in the naval domain. Some key developments are worth noting:

Hypersonic Missiles: These missiles can be launched from ships, submarines, or aircraft, providing naval forces with a new offensive capability.

Conventional Hypersonic Missiles: These missiles are designed to deliver conventional warheads, like high-explosive or penetrating warheads.

Hypersonic Cruise Missiles: These missiles combine the speed and maneuverability of hypersonic weapons with the range and precision of cruise missiles.

Hypersonic Anti-Ship Missiles (HASMs): These missiles pose a serious threat to naval vessels, as their speed and maneuverability make them difficult for a vessel to defend against.

Hypersonic Defense Systems: Militaries are creating advanced radar systems and missile defense systems to counter hypersonic threats.

Electronic Warfare Systems: These systems can jam enemy radar and communication systems, making it more difficult for them to detect hypersonic weapons.

Implications for Naval Operations

The integration of hypersonic weapons into naval arsenals will have extensive consequences. For instance, hypersonic weapons can strike targets rapidly increasing the tempo of operations. This can deter adversaries from taking aggressive actions.

Additionally, hypersonic weapons can neutralize air defenses and target high-value assets.

While we can take advantage of this new technology, it poses complex defense challenges, since we will need new defensive technologies to defend ourselves from hypersonic weapons.

The U.S. Navy’s Push for Hypersonic Supremacy

The U.S. Navy is at the forefront of hypersonic weapon development, with several key initiatives underway:

• Flight Tests: Recent successful flight tests of hypersonic missiles, such as the Conventional Prompt Strike and Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon All Up Round, demonstrate significant progress in this area.
• MACH-TB: The Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) program provides an affordable platform for testing hypersonic technologies under the S²MARTS (Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems) OTA.
• Carrier-Based Hypersonic Weapons: The Navy is actively developing carrier-based hypersonic weapons, expanding the operational capabilities of its aircraft carriers.
• Testing: The Navy is using advanced simulation tools to analyze hypersonic flight, reducing the need for physical testing, which can be expensive.

How NSTXL Aids the Navy’s Mission

National Security Technology Accelerator, or NSTXL stands at the forefront of hypersonic innovation. Through Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements like S²MARTS (Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems), NSTXL collaborates with government agencies, research institutions and industry partners to accelerate the development of next-generation hypersonic systems.

Beyond the MACH-TB program mentioned earlier, NSTXL is supporting multiple other hypersonic opportunities, including:

DASH-MOT

Demonstration of Aero Structures for Hypersonics – Manufacturing Optimization and Testing (DASH-MOT) is an opportunity to expand the Navy’s capability to design, manufacture, characterize, and test hypersonic ceramic matrix composite (CMC) materials.

This will address one of the most important aspects of hypersonic development: the creation of materials that can withstand the heat of their speed.

MACH-TB 2.0

The MACH-TB 2.0 agreement, initiated by the Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division, and the Department of Defense, aims to take the successful MACH-TB 1.0 test bed to the next level. By building on the modular design and multiple launch vehicle capabilities of MACH-TB 1.0, the goal is to achieve full-flight test capacity by the end of Fiscal Year 2025.

This will enable the testing of a hypersonic boost-glide vehicle, pushing the boundaries of hypersonic flight technology and paving the way for future innovations in hypersonic systems.

HAMTC 

Recognizing the critical need to address gaps in hypersonic weapons development, the Hypersonics Advanced Manufacturing Test Capability (HAMTC) opportunity was created in June 2021 by NSWC Crane and S²MARTS (Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems).

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 Future of Naval Warfare

It’s no secret – hypersonic weapons have ushered in a new era of naval warfare, where speed, precision and surprise reign supreme. These weapons, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5, challenge traditional defense systems and force nations to rethink their naval strategies.

As the U.S. Navy spearheads the development of hypersonic technology, organizations like NSTXL play a pivotal role in accelerating innovation and ensuring American dominance in this critical domain. To stay ahead of the curve and provide the U.S. Navy’s dominance, consider joining NSTXL. As a member, you can contribute to groundbreaking research, collaborate with top experts, and shape the future of hypersonic technology. Click here to learn more.

About NSTXL
NSTXL is focused on building a network of innovators and creators across the most sought-after emerging technology fields. As an open-source platform, our approach was designed to encourage network growth and collaboration without stifling change. NSTXL supports their network by providing commercial-term contracting, open-source technology discovery, modern-day marketing outreach, a strongly interconnected network for easy teaming, and cybersecurity compliance support.

About S²MARTS
The Strategic & Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems (S²MARTS), managed by NSTXL, is the premier rapid OT contracting vehicle for the Department of Defense (DoD) in trusted microelectronics, strategic & spectrum mission, and other critical mission areas. The Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC), Crane Division created S²MARTS to grow and engage an elite network of innovators, shorten the path to defense prototype development, and advance national security efforts.