Australia to integrate US-made hypersonic missiles in F/A-18 fighter jets for testing

Asia-Pacific, News, US July 16, 2024 , by IRIA No Comments

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) is set to incorporate the U.S.-made Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) with its fleet of F/A-18F Super Hornets. This initiative is part of a broader collaboration between the two nations under the Southern Cross Integrated Flight Research Experiment (SCIFiRE) agreement.

This integration was first indicated in a U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) report in June this year, which detailed the missile’s planned testing by the United States Air Force (USAF) at Australian ranges as part of its ongoing development.

The SCIFiRE agreement represents a significant partnership between the U.S. and Australia, focusing on developing and testing hypersonic technologies. An Australian Ministry of Defense spokesperson highlighted the collaborative nature of the project, stating, “Through the SCIFiRE agreement, the U.S. and Australia continue to collaborate on HACM design and development, including efforts to integrate HACM on RAAF F/A-18Fs and using Australian test infrastructure for flight tests.”

According to the Australian Defense Ministry, this decision is guided by the 2024 Integrated Investment Plan. The plan outlines the operational life of the Super Hornets until 2040, including upgrades that feature an unspecified hypersonic missile, now revealed to be the HACM.

Australia’s role in testing is significant due to its expansive and suitable testing ranges. The USAF plans to procure 13 HACM rounds for a series of tests set to begin as early as October and continue through March 2027. However, the exact timeline for Australian tests remains undisclosed.

*^{Royal Australian Air Force F/A-18F Super Hornet jet. (Image Credit: Royal Australian Air Force)}*

Features and Specifications of HACM

The Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile, developed by Raytheon in collaboration with Northrop Grumman in 2022, is a marvel of modern military technology. The missile is designed for air launch, initially integrating with the USAF’s F-15E Strike Eagle, with plans to adapt it for other platforms, including the RAAF’s F/A-18F Super Hornets.

The HACM is powered by a scramjet, a type of engine that uses supersonic airflow to compress incoming air before combustion, significantly boosting its speed and efficiency. The missile comprises a two-stage design:

Rocket Booster: This initial stage propels the missile to a high altitude and speed, preparing it for the second stage.

Scramjet Cruiser: After separation from the booster, the scramjet engine ignites, propelling the missile at hypersonic speeds (greater than Mach 5) toward its target.

This advanced propulsion allows the HACM to strike high-value targets in heavily contested airspace from standoff ranges, providing a significant tactical advantage. The missile’s speed and maneuverability make it exceptionally difficult to intercept.

^{This artist’s rendering shows the Hypersonic Air-breathing Weapon Concept, which will integrate Raytheon’s air-breathing hypersonic weapons with scramjet combustors from Northrop Grumman. (Image Credit: RTX)}

The integration of HACM into the RAAF’s arsenal marks a pivotal step in the evolution of hypersonic warfare capabilities for both the U.S. and Australia. The 15-year SCIFiRE agreement underscores a commitment to advancing hypersonic technologies, including scramjets, rocket motors, sensors, and advanced manufacturing materials.

With the initial fielding of the HACM expected by the USAF in 2027, the ongoing collaboration through SCIFiRE aims to push the boundaries of modern military capabilities, ensuring both nations remain at the forefront of defense innovation.