Dynetics to Develop Thermal Wrap for US Army Hypersonic Prototype Weapons

December 30, 2021

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Dynetics, a wholly owned subsidiary of Leidos, was awarded a contract to develop Hypersonic Thermal Protection System (TPS) prototypes for the U.S. Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO).

The $478,598,908 cost-plus-fixed fee award is also to support materials research and novel inspection and acceptance criteria. RCCTO estimates Dynetics will complete the program by November 18, 2027.

The TPS shields elements of the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon system and the Navy Conventional Prompt Strike system from extreme environments seen during flight.

The development of the hypersonic weapon systems is a joint effort between the United States Army and United States Navy.

 "The Army has placed a major emphasis on weapon modernization. Hypersonic weapon development takes speed and agility so we can defeat the adversarial threat.  Our customer has entrusted us to deliver integrated prototype systems two years ago and now, again, with the thermal protection system.  We intend to do so and are pleased to add one more capability to our Hypersonic program portfolio," said Ronnie Chronister, Dynetics senior vice president of Weapons Technology and Manufacturing.

Dynetics is developing the TPS technology in conjunction with industry partners. This award transfers the TPS supplier base from government to industry and allows for expansion of advanced material development. It also provides room for growth in present applications and future concepts.

The TPS system will be developed in Alabama.

Hypersonic Weapon Development History
In 2019, Dynetics was named the prime contractor for the Common-Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) weapon. As the prime contractor for the C-HGB, the company will provide program and supplier management; procurement; assembly, integration and testing; electrical and mechanical manufacturing; and systems engineering for the C-HGB.

Additionally, Dynetics is a subcontractor to Lockheed Martin for the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system.  The company will develop LRHW launchers, power generation, distribution for the ground platform and flight test and training support. Earlier this year, Dynetics delivered four launcher prototypes to Lockheed Martin.

Source : Dynetics