The Next Generation Hypersonic Cruise Missile, or NGHCM, aims to demonstrate that it is possible to develop a cruise missile that is both survivable and affordable enough to be manufactured in large quantities.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis demonstrator must establish the foundation for a next-generation capability that delivers a revolutionary leap in operational performance\u2014specifically in range, cruise speed, and\/or altitude,\u201d DARPA said. \u201cDARPA strongly encourages responses to this RFI from non-traditional defense contractors and emerging technology developers.\u201d<\/p>\n
The RFI asks companies to address three \u201cfocus areas.\u201d The first is the overall missile concept.<\/p>\n
\u201cHow does the architecture balance advancements in foundational physical parameters (payload, range, speed, altitude) against other critical factors (e.g., midcourse maneuverability, signature, or platform capacity) to achieve a revolutionary leap in mission effectiveness and survivability?\u201d the RFI asks.<\/p>\n The missile\u2019s launch platform is another consideration. Potential options listed in the RFI include tactical fighters, external or internal mounts on heavy bombers, surface-based vertical launch systems, and \u201cHeavy Ground-Launch \/ Strategic Defense Class\u201d platforms that would \u201cmaximize the range\/payload advantages of an airbreathing cruiser paradigm at larger scales.\u201d<\/p>\n DARPA is also looking for a weapon that could be quickly fielded. Companies are asked to \u201cidentify an optimized, accelerated schedule to reach first flight for the major technical milestones and review gates, rather than relying on traditional, sluggish acquisition models.\u201d<\/p>\n The second focus area involves demonstrating technologies such as \u201cair-breathing propulsion systems, high energy density fuels, advanced booster technologies, high-temperature materials, thermal management solutions, and high-performance power generation\/ actuation\/fuel systems.\u201d<\/p>\n The third focus area seeks innovative ways to test the missile quickly. While the RFI doesn\u2019t specify technical parameters, it does note that testing should address \u201cthe ability to scale to different missions and distances from 250 nautical miles \u2013 2000 nautical miles.\u201d<\/p>\n The RFI does not specify a speed requirement, although hypersonic is defined as an object traveling faster than Mach 5.<\/p>\n DARPA also wants a hypersonic missile that can be tested without drawing too much attention.<\/p>\n \u201cThese concepts should advance the state-of-the-art for collecting critical flight test data allowing for rapid deployment and execution while providing fewer observable indicators of imminent testing,\u201d the RFI said.<\/p>\n Russia has already fielded a hypersonic scramjet cruise missile in the form of the\u00a03M22 Zircon<\/a>.<\/p>\n Russia has launched Zircons at Ukraine, and Ukraine claims to have\u00a0downed<\/a>\u00a0some of them with U.S.-made Patriot interceptors.<\/p>\n![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.fie.undef.edu.ar\/ceptm\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/LKKS5DSYNRC5NC5I5MK6BYZJJU.jpg\")