DARPA eyes critical design maturity for OpFires
Lockheed Martin is helping DARPA to develop a new ground-launched intermediate-range hypersonic weapon. (Image: DARPA)
Lockheed Martin receives new OpFires contract modification to achieve system-level critical design security by September 2022.
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control has received another contract modification from DARPA for work on the Operational Fires (OpFires) Integrated Weapon System programme.
The company will conduct risk-reduction testing by September 2022 to achieve ‘system-level critical design maturity’, the DoD announced on 4 March.
DARPA awarded the original $31.9 million contract to Lockheed Martin in January 2020. The latest modification is worth $9.21 million.
OpFires Integrated Weapon System Phase 3 is intended to enable a mobile, ground-launched tactical weapon delivery system capable of carrying various payloads.
The overall goal of the OpFires programme is to develop and demonstrate a novel ground-launched system enabling hypersonic boost glide weapons to penetrate modern enemy air defences and ‘rapidly and precisely engage critical time-sensitive targets’, according to DARPA.
OpFires seeks to develop an advanced booster capable of delivering a variety of payloads at a variety of ranges. Additional considerations include the need for compatible mobile ground launch platforms to integrate existing ground forces and infrastructure, and specific system attributes required for rapid deployment and redeployment.
More from Land Warfare
-
![What next-generation radios mean for enhanced military operations (Studio)]()
What next-generation radios mean for enhanced military operations (Studio)
As legacy combat net radios (CNRs) approach their end of service life, modern armed forces seek next-generation tactical communications devices to provide personnel with transformational capabilities.
-
![Production starts on US Marine Corps C-UAS programme]()
Production starts on US Marine Corps C-UAS programme
The production of the MADIS RWS has moved from Kongsberg, Norway to Kongsberg Protech Systems USA in Johnstown (Pennsylvania).
-
![Allison positions itself for role in US Army next-gen truck programme]()
Allison positions itself for role in US Army next-gen truck programme
Allison Transmission seeks to win more than $150 million worth of business on the Common Tactical Truck programme to replace more than 7,000 heavy trucks with a single platform.
-
![US Army tests modular C-UAS solution]()
US Army tests modular C-UAS solution
The US Army tested the Mobile - Acquisition, Cueing and Effector (M-ACE) system as a modular, adaptable C-UAS solution to deal with Class 1- and Class 2-sized UAVs.
-
![Enter the Terminator: Russians claim BMPT combat debut in Ukraine]()
Enter the Terminator: Russians claim BMPT combat debut in Ukraine
The BMPT tank support vehicle has reportedly been used in battle for the first time as Russia deploys more advanced armour to Ukraine.
-
![Norway welcomes upgraded CV90s]()
Norway welcomes upgraded CV90s
BAE Systems Hägglunds and Ritek are providing Norway with 12 CV90RWS STING engineering vehicles and eight CV90RWS Multi-BK variants.
