Concept art of the AHM-4 HACM hypersonic missile. The missile is still projected for initial delivery in 2027, despite substantial delays in testing. (Courtesy of Raytheon)

After Years of Delay, the ‘HACM’ Hypersonic Missile Has Finally Flown

Share this link on Facebook

Share this page on X (Twitter)

Share this link on LinkedIn

Share this page on Reddit

Email a link to this page

The advanced missile was originally scheduled for its first flight test in 2024, but developers RTX and Northrop Grumman have confronted mounting delays over its advanced propulsion system.

The US Air Force’s long-awaited Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) has finally entered flight testing—and as the test venue highlights, it is not the only nation waiting!

The Air Force has confirmed that the first test of the HACM had taken place not in the United States, but in a test range in Australia. The US Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force are co-producing the HACM, and have divided responsibility for its creation, which has run significantly behind schedule.

“The US Air Force, in partnership with Australia, has conducted a flight test of the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) as part of our continuous work to advance long-range strike capabilities,” an Air Force spokesman announced this........

© The National Interest