Northrop Grumman has unveiled its Hypersonics Capability Center (HCC) in Elkton, Maryland, to develop advanced propulsion solutions powering missiles over five times the speed of sound (Mach 5).
The facility will focus on the cost-effective production of hypersonic engine systems to support US Department of Defense’s programs dedicated to long-range, rapid-response capabilities.
Future Hypersonic Programs
According to Northrop, the HCC is the first US-based site dedicated to large-scale air-breathing propulsion manufacturing. Products expected from the facility include ramjet and scramjet engines.
The center will use metal development processes and precision, non-destructive technologies for quick assemblies and quality assurance that are ready to support future hypersonic programs.
The US Air Force will leverage the HCC’s work for its ongoing Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) program to develop a next-generation aerial munition that targets high-value assets in contested environments.
“This is a pivotal moment for hypersonic weapons; we have moved beyond building and demonstrating propulsion prototypes to large-scale manufacturing,” Northrop Grumman Missile Products Vice President Jim Kalberer stated.
“Our proactive investment in this facility establishes the supply chain and optimizes manufacturing processes to produce hypersonic systems affordably at scale.”
Investing in Local Jobs
Northrop said the HCC will drive local opportunities for technically skilled high-wage jobs, engineers, and other roles in Elkton.
“Having Northrop Grumman expand its footprint in Maryland is a testament to our state’s thriving aerospace and defense industry,” Maryland Commerce Secretary Kevin Anderson stated.
“With the addition of this new facility, Cecil County is gaining a first-of-its-kind manufacturing center, as well as a significant number of new jobs. We are incredibly grateful to Northrop Grumman for its continued investment in Maryland.”
Northrop is currently working on a separate facility for missile integration at Allegany Ballistics Laboratory in West Virginia and expanding its solid rocket motor production center in Promontory, Utah.