Northrop opens hypersonic propulsion manufacturing facility

Northrop Grumman has unveiled a new hypersonics manufacturing facility, the Hypersonics Capability Center (HCC), aimed at meeting the U.S. Department of Defense's demand for high-speed propulsion systems. The 60,000 square foot space will facilitate the transition of hypersonic systems from development to production. Initially, the center will focus on developing the engine for the Air Force's Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile, with a scramjet propulsion system provided by Northrop and Raytheon. Hypersonic vehicles can fly above Mach 5, thanks to scramjet engines that capture and compress air at supersonic speeds. The HCC aims to become a crucial capability for air-breathing systems, which are not widely fielded, offering flexibility to produce various engine types. The exact production rate will depend on design techniques and the DoD's eventual demand for these advanced weapons.

Link to the full article: Northrop opens hypersonic propulsion manufacturing facility (defensenews.com)