HCSW

Description: The US Air Force (USAF) Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon (HCSW) or Hypersonic Air-Breathing Weapon Concept (HAWC) is a new air launched missile capable of speeds in excess of Mach 5. The new weapon is expected to be delivered through tactical fighter aircraft and bombers with the aim of taking out highly protected targets using a conventional warhead. The USAF awarded a $928 million contract to Lockheed Martin for the HCSW development in April 2018. The new hypersonic missile is expected to get ready for operational use in 2022 or 2023. The USAF expects the HCSW program is aimed at closing the gap of capabilities against Russian and Chinese forces already fielding hypersonic weapons. In February 2020 the USAF terminated the HCSW program.