Leidos segment Dynetics has completed the maiden test flight of a new US hypersonic test bed at the Rocket Lab complex in NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, Virginia.
The demonstration is part of a Multi-Service Advanced Capability Hypersonic Test Bed (MACH-TB) program to accelerate the testing of commercial hypersonic components.
The MACH-TB includes producing an experimental glide body to measure and verify hypersonic component data.
“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,” Leidos CEO Tom Bell explained.
“It took our MACH-TB team only 49 days to create this innovative technology demonstration, which highlights our ability to deliver on promises.”
‘Pushing Boundaries’
The contract for the MACH-TB tests was awarded by the US Naval Surface Warfare Center (NSWC) Crane under the Strategic and Spectrum Missions Advanced Resilient Trusted Systems.
Under the project, Leidos teamed with Rocket Lab to provide associated hypersonic test launch capabilities for the MACH-TB initiative.
“Today marks a significant milestone in our commitment to pushing forward the boundaries of hypersonic innovation,” NSWC Crane Technical Director Dr. Angie Lewis stated.
“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.”
‘New Ground’ for Hypersonics
The next phase of the MACH-TB will see the program’s expansion by exploring other opportunities required under US defense’s hypersonic flight tests and support-related 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 US with an advantage in the great power competition.”