Dynetics Secures $670M Contract for Hypersonic Glide Body: Advancing US Army's High-Speed Arsenal

Dynetics, a subsidiary of Leidos, has been awarded a monumental $670.5 million contract to produce the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) and its associated thermal protection system for the US Army. This agreement underscores the growing emphasis on hypersonic weapon technology as a cornerstone of modern military capability.

As part of the contract, $65.8 million has been earmarked for fiscal year 2024 to support ongoing research, development, testing, and evaluation efforts. The bulk of the work will be carried out in Huntsville, Alabama, a hub of advanced aerospace and defense innovation, with the contract scheduled for completion by October 31, 2029.

A Collaborative Effort to Revolutionize Hypersonic Weapons

The Common Hypersonic Glide Body is a critical component of the United States’ hypersonic weapons strategy, which seeks to deliver unparalleled speed, range, and precision. This glide body, a key part of both the US Army’s Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) and the US Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) programs, represents a shared endeavor between the two branches of the military.

Dynetics, operating as a part of a Lockheed Martin-led team, plays a vital role in the integration and prototyping of the C-HGB. The Navy spearheads the design phase of the glide body, while the Army takes charge of its production. This approach ensures both branches benefit from a streamlined and interoperable system tailored for deployment on land and at sea.

Advanced Specifications of the C-HGB

The Common Hypersonic Glide Body is engineered for exceptional performance, offering a reported range exceeding 2,775 kilometers (1,724 miles). The weapon system is designed to travel at hypersonic speeds, defined as Mach 5 or greater, making it capable of evading traditional missile defense systems.

This glide body will be paired with unique launch systems customized for its respective service:

• For the US Army: Integrated into mobile land-based platforms as part of the LRHW program.

• For the US Navy: Adapted for launch from naval vessels, including the cutting-edge Zumwalt-class destroyer USS Zumwalt (DDG 1000), which is undergoing significant modernization to accommodate the CPS system by 2025.

Overcoming Development Challenges

Although hypersonic weapons promise game-changing military capabilities, their development has not been without hurdles. The LRHW program, initially slated for operational readiness by the end of 2023, encountered delays due to undisclosed pre-flight check issues in late 2022. Despite these challenges, the program remains a top priority, with significant resources allocated to ensure its success.

In parallel, the US Navy's efforts to integrate the CPS system into its fleet reflect a commitment to ensuring operational versatility. Huntington Ingalls Industries has been tasked with outfitting the USS Zumwalt to carry the advanced weapon, signaling a shift toward hypersonic readiness across multiple domains.

Strategic Implications

The C-HGB program represents a significant leap forward in the United States’ ability to counter peer adversaries such as China and Russia, both of whom are heavily investing in hypersonic technology. By leveraging a unified glide body across the Army and Navy, the US aims to maximize interoperability, reduce costs, and enhance the strategic flexibility of its forces.

Dynetics’ role in this critical initiative reaffirms its position as a leading innovator in the defense sector, contributing to the advancement of cutting-edge military technology designed to secure America’s strategic interests in an increasingly contested global landscape.