The new HYPERSONIC missile that fits INSIDE the F-35!
TLDRLockheed Martin has unveiled the world's first air-launched hypersonic missile, MOO, designed for internal carriage by stealth fighters like the F-35. This groundbreaking weapon, developed with $35 million from the US Air Force, can maneuver at sustained hypersonic speeds, potentially penetrating advanced air defense systems. Although not yet in service, MOO's unique capabilities could revolutionize naval warfare, offering a multi-mission, highly survivable, and affordable asset for engaging a variety of targets.
Takeaways
- 🚀 The introduction of Hermia's new quarter horse Mark 1 hypersonic missile, designed for internal carriage in stealth fighters like the F-35, represents a significant advancement in air-launched weapon technology.
- 🔄 Initial assumptions that the term 'hypersonic' was used as an adjective rather than a classification were incorrect; the missile is indeed a legitimate hypersonic weapon.
- 🌐 The missile's development has been ongoing for seven years, with funding from the US Air Force, and it competes for a production contract under the STANDIN ATTACK WEAPON (SiAW) program.
- 🎯 The 'moo' missile's maneuverability and sustained hypersonic speeds enable it to evade advanced air defense systems, making it a high-impact weapon for various mission requirements.
- 🔄 The missile's compact size (about 160 inches long) is a breakthrough, allowing it to fit into the F-35's internal weapons bay, unlike other existing hypersonic weapons.
- 🚫 The short takeoff vertical landing (STOVL) F-35B model lacks the internal storage space to carry the 'moo' missile while maintaining a stealth profile, but could potentially carry it externally when stealth is not a priority.
- 🛠 'Moo' was initially designed for the F-35A model but can fit into the F-35C's weapons bay, and it could be adapted for surface or subsurface launch using the Mark 41 vertical launch system.
- 🤝 The development of 'moo' involved collaboration with Co Aspire, a Naval Aviation systems firm, hinting at the missile's potential transition from Air Force to Navy applications.
- 📈 The missile's potential inclusion in the OTA basket suggests it may not meet the requirements for the Navy's HALO program, possibly due to range limitations.
- 💡 The 'moo' missile's unique combination of speed, maneuverability, and stealth capabilities could revolutionize air-to-surface warfare, providing a versatile and survivable weapon system for the US Navy.
Q & A
What is the significance of the new Hypersonic missile mentioned in the script?
-The new Hypersonic missile, known as 'moo', is the world's first air-launched missile designed to be carried inside stealth fighters like the F-35. It represents a significant advancement in Hypersonic weapons technology due to its small size, maneuverability, and the ability to be carried internally by advanced stealth fighters, potentially revolutionizing air power and warfare strategy.
How does the moo missile differ from other high-speed weapons like ballistic missiles?
-Unlike ballistic missiles, which can travel at extremely high speeds but follow predictable flight paths, the moo missile is designed to maneuver while traveling at sustained speeds in excess of Mach 5. This combination of speed and maneuverability makes it much more difficult to intercept and increases its effectiveness against advanced air defense systems.
What are the key features of the moo missile's design?
-The moo missile is characterized by its small size, allowing it to fit inside the internal weapons bay of an F-35, and its Hypersonic maneuverability. It is designed to engage a variety of targets, including those at or below Hypersonic speeds, depending on mission requirements.
How long has the development of the moo missile been ongoing?
-The development of the moo missile has been underway for the past 7 years, with funding from the US Air Force as part of the standin attack weapon competition.
What is the potential role of the moo missile within the US Navy?
-If the US Navy decides to put the moo missile into production, it could serve as a multi-mission strike asset capable of engaging both land and sea-based targets. It could also potentially be modified for surface or subsurface launch applications, including use by the US Navy's surface warships and submarines.
What is the significance of the moo missile's size compared to other operational Hypersonic weapons?
-At approximately 13 feet (about 4 meters) in length, the moo missile is significantly smaller than other operational Hypersonic weapons like Russia's Avangard and China's DF-ZF. This smaller size allows it to be carried inside the stealth fighters' internal weapons bays, which is a unique distinction among Hypersonic weapons today.
How does the moo missile's guidance system contribute to its effectiveness?
-The moo missile is expected to use an advanced multi-mode guidance system, potentially including an anti-radiation seeker, GPS-assisted inertial navigation system, and millimeter wave radar seeker. This combination would allow the missile to engage a wide variety of stationary and moving targets, making it highly versatile and capable.
What is the current status of the moo missile in terms of development and potential deployment?
-As of the information provided in the script, the moo missile is still in the conceptual and developmental stage. While it has been physically fit tested in the F-35 and digitally fit tested aboard other aircraft, it has not yet been produced or deployed.
How might the moo missile change the strategic landscape if deployed?
-The deployment of the moo missile could significantly enhance the strategic capabilities of the US Navy and its allies. With the ability to launch from stealth fighters, the missile would be difficult to detect and intercept, potentially allowing for more effective penetration of enemy defenses and engagement of high-value targets.
What are the potential challenges for the moo missile to become operational?
-The main challenges for the moo missile include securing funding and approval for production, as well as meeting the specific requirements for integration with various aircraft and platforms within the US Navy. Additionally, further testing and validation of its performance and capabilities will be necessary before it can be deployed operationally.
Outlines
🚀 Introduction to Hermia's New Quarter Horse Mark 1 and Hypersonic Missile Revelation
The video begins with the host, Alex Hollings, announcing a special episode of Air Power focused on Hermia's new quarter horse, the Mark 1, and an interview with Hermus CEO AJ Piplia. However, the main highlight is the world's first air-launched hypersonic missile, developed by Lockheed Martin and designed for stealth fighters like the F-35. Hollings discusses the significance of this development and the need to adapt the script to address the new missile, named 'moo'. The missile's potential to transform hypersonic weapon technology is emphasized, as it is small enough to fit inside the F-35's internal weapons bay, which could have major implications for future warfare.
🔥 Lockheed Martin's 'Moo' Hypersonic Missile: Development and Capabilities
This paragraph delves into the 'moo' hypersonic missile's development history, funded by the US Air Force for the past seven years. Initially designed for the Air Force's Standin Attack Weapon (SiAW) program, the missile did not win the contract and is now being proposed to the US Navy. The missile's ability to engage both land and sea-based targets is highlighted, along with its high maneuverability and speed. The paragraph also discusses the missile's potential for surface or subsurface launch and its compatibility with various US military aircraft. The 'moo' missile's unique size and capabilities are emphasized, contrasting it with other operational hypersonic weapons like Russia's Avangard and China's DF-ZF.
💡 Co Aspire's Role in 'Moo' Missile Development and the US Navy's Interest
The role of Co Aspire, a Naval Aviation systems firm, in the development of the 'moo' missile is explored, suggesting a transition from Air Force to Navy applications. The paragraph discusses the US Navy's potential interest in the missile, despite it not meeting the specific requirements for the Hypersonic Air Launched Offensive (Halo) program. The missile's range limitations are suggested as the reason for not fitting the Halo program's needs. The use of Other Transaction Authority (OTA) agreements for rapid acquisition of critical technologies is explained, and the possibility that 'moo' was placed in the OTA basket for future consideration by the Navy is discussed.
🎯 Capabilities and Implications of the 'Moo' Hypersonic Missile
The 'moo' missile's intended purpose for engaging a variety of stationary and moving targets is discussed, along with its potential to provide carrier-based fighters with advanced capabilities. The missile's guidance system, which includes a combination of seekers, is described, making it capable of engaging almost any target on the planet's surface. The paragraph also addresses the challenges 'moo' faces in becoming operational and its potential implications for the US Navy. The significance of hypersonic speeds and the difficulty in intercepting such weapons is highlighted, emphasizing the strategic value of air-to-surface weapons that can be carried by advanced stealth fighters.
🤔 Classification and Future of the 'Moo' Hypersonic Missile
The unique characteristics of the 'moo' missile that do not fit neatly into existing categories of hypersonic weapons are discussed. The paragraph explores the possibility of expanding the definition of hypersonic missiles to include 'moo' or creating a stricter definition. The real-world implications of such a conversation for warfare strategy and the importance of integrating new weapons into existing platforms and doctrines are emphasized. The paragraph concludes that while 'moo' has potential, it is still a concept and its actual deployment in the US Navy remains uncertain.
📢 Conclusion and Call to Action for Sandbox News
The video concludes with a call to action for viewers to visit Sandbox News for the latest updates and a prompt to like, subscribe, and comment on the video for feedback. The importance of staying informed about military advancements and their impact on warfare is reiterated, and viewers are encouraged to engage with the content and share their thoughts on future topics.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Hypersonic missile
💡F-35
💡Lockheed Martin
💡Air launched
💡Stealth technology
💡Advanced Air Defense systems
💡Standin Attack Weapon (SiAW)
💡Co Aspire
💡Other Transaction Authority (OTA)
💡Halo
💡Multimode guidance system
Highlights
Lockheed Martin unveils the world's first air-launched hypersonic missile designed to be carried inside stealth fighters like the F-35 and F-22.
The new missile, dubbed 'Moo', is small enough to fit inside the internal weapons bay of the F-35, marking a significant development in hypersonic weapons technology.
Moo is a true hypersonic weapon that operates and maneuvers at high altitudes, with sustained speeds in excess of Mach 5, making it difficult to intercept.
The missile has been under development for the past 7 years, with funding from the US Air Force, and is now being proposed for US Navy use.
Moo was initially designed for the Air Force's Standin Attack Weapon (SiAW) program, but is now being marketed as a multi-mission strike asset for the Navy.
The missile's high speed and maneuverability enable it to penetrate advanced air defense systems and engage targets at or below hypersonic speeds.
Moo could potentially be carried by the F-35C for use aboard aircraft carriers, though the F-35B does not have the required internal storage space.
Lockheed Martin has stated that Moo could be easily modified for surface or subsurface launch, potentially using the US Navy's Mark 41 vertical launch system.
Co Aspire, a naval aviation systems firm, partnered with Lockheed Martin on Moo's development, suggesting a transition from Air Force to Navy applications.
Moo's potential inclusion in the US Navy's Hypersonic Air Launched Offensive (HALO) program is uncertain due to range limitations.
The missile is designed to engage a wide variety of stationary and moving targets, including ships, using advanced multi-mode guidance systems.
Moo has already been physically fit tested in the F-35 and digitally fit tested aboard various other US military aircraft.
Development on Moo began in 2017, coinciding with the early discussions of the Air Force's intent to field a new standin attack weapon.
Moo's unique characteristics defy current classification in hypersonic weapons, potentially warranting a new category or a stricter definition.
The strategic value of a hypersonic air-to-surface weapon carried by stealth fighters is significant, offering a new capability that complements existing warfare doctrines.
While Moo's design is mature, it has yet to transition from digital models to actual production and testing.
If fielded, Moo could provide the US Navy with a cost-effective and highly capable missile system, enhancing their ability to engage a wide range of targets.
