American defense concern Lockheed Martin has received a contract to supply the US Navy with the first sea-based hypersonic attack system for surface warships. It has been reported Marine Technology.
According to the publication, the initial cost of developing the installation was approximately $1.1 billion, but during the implementation of the contract this cost could increase to $ 2 billion.
Under the terms of the contract, the company will be responsible for the implementation of hypersonic missile systems (CPS) on the Zumwalt class destroyers.
In addition to Lockheed Martin, other defense companies are also involved in the project, including General Dynamics Mission Systems and Northrop Grumman.
The first launchers are expected to appear on American destroyers in the “mid-2020s”. The installations will use the same missile as the land-based hypersonic missile systems currently being tested.
Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe, Former Director of Strategic Systems Programs declarationThe US Navy plans to equip the Zumwalt-class destroyers with hypersonic missiles by 2025.
It was noted that the Navy plans to complete the development of hypersonic missiles in 2023, and the next stage will be the design and development of the integration of the missile with the ship’s hull and combat information and control system.