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Lockheed to receive $147 million for Tactical Boost Glide prototype

Deal covers prototype agreement for the program.

By Geoff Ziezulewicz
Lockheed Martin has been awarded $147 million for a research project under the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's Tactical Boost Glide program. The program seeks to build on previous boost glide systems, including the Hypersonic Technology Vehicle 2, shown here. Image courtesy Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin has been awarded $147 million for a research project under the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's Tactical Boost Glide program. The program seeks to build on previous boost glide systems, including the Hypersonic Technology Vehicle 2, shown here. Image courtesy Lockheed Martin

WASHINGTON, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Lockheed Martin has been awarded $147 million for a research project under the U.S. Defense Advanced Research Project Agency's Tactical Boost Glide program.

The cost-sharing agreement deal is a prototype agreement for a research project.

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DARPA is the contracting entity.

The Tactical Boost Glide program is a joint DARPA-U.S. Air Force effort that aims to develop and demonstrate technologies that enable future air-launched, tactical-range hypersonic boost glide systems.

In a boost glide system, a rocket accelerates its payload at high speeds, and the payload then separates from the rocket and glides un-powered to its destination.

Systems operating at hypersonic speeds offer the potential for military operations from longer ranges with shorter response times and enhanced effectiveness.

The program focuses on vehicle feasibility, effectiveness and affordability.

The program exploits the technical knowledge and lessons derived from development and flight testing of previous boost glide systems, including the Hypersonic Technology Vehicle 2.

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