How America's HACM Could Fly at Mach 5+ from Rocket Boost to Scramjet Cruise

The US Air Force is developing the HACM hypersonic cruise missile with a scramjet engine that uses atmospheric oxygen. The contract with Raytheon for prototype development is worth up to $985 million, with initial readiness targeted for fiscal year 2027.

• HACM is air-launched, boosts with rocket, then scramjet
• Raytheon 2022 contract up to $985 million for development and demo
• In 2023, Lockheed's HAWC prototype flew above Mach 5, 60,000 ft, 300 nm
• Carriers: F-15EX Eagle II, plus B-1, B-2, B-52, and F-15E