Air Power: The Hypersonic Mystery — Moo Missile Explained

Fasten your seatbelts, aviation enthusiasts! This edition of Air Power takes us on a high-speed journey into the realm of Hypersonic weapons and a recent revelation that’s causing a stir in the defense industry: Lockheed Martin’s moo missile. Buckle up, because this little wonder has the potential to be a game-changer.

Lockheed Martin recently unveiled what they claim to be the world’s first air-launched Hypersonic missile. This innovative weapon isn’t designed to be strapped haphazardly onto an aircraft’s exterior; instead, it’s specifically engineered to fit snugly inside the internal weapons bay of stealth fighters like the F-35 and F-22. The implications are clear — this could significantly enhance the offensive capabilities of these already formidable aircraft, allowing them to deliver devastating attacks from unexpected angles.

But the story of moo doesn’t begin with the Navy. Originally, this missile was a contender for the Air Force’s Standin Attack Weapon (SiAW) program. The SiAW program sought to develop a versatile air-to-surface weapon capable of taking down a wide range of stationary and moving targets, essentially a one-size-fits-all solution for air-delivered destruction. Unfortunately for Lockheed Martin, the SiAW contract ultimately went to Northrop Grumman’s AGM-88G AARG-ER.

Undeterred, Lockheed Martin has set its sights on a new target: the US Navy. They’re now pitching moo as a multi-mission strike asset, highlighting its potential to tackle a variety of land and sea-based targets. So, what makes moo so special? Here’s a breakdown of its key features that could revolutionize naval warfare:

• Hypersonic Speed and Maneuverability: The name says it all. Moo is designed to travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5, making it incredibly difficult for enemy air defenses to react in time. But raw speed isn’t enough; moo is also maneuverable, allowing it to adjust course and home in on its target with deadly precision. This combination of speed and agility makes it a nightmare for traditional interception methods.
• Stealthy Integration: Unlike many Hypersonic weapons that require bulky launchers mounted on the exterior of aircraft, moo is designed to be carried internally by F-35s. This means these stealth fighters can maintain their low radar profile, adding an extra layer of surprise to any attack. Imagine an enemy fleet blissfully unaware of the impending doom hurtling towards them at Hypersonic speeds, invisible to radar — that’s the kind of tactical advantage moo offers.
• Adaptable Platform: Moo isn’t limited to just aerial deployment. Lockheed Martin suggests it could be modified for launch from surface ships and even submarines, potentially utilizing the Navy’s existing Mark 41 vertical launch system. This kind of flexibility gives the Navy a wider range of offensive options. Imagine a scenario where a seemingly harmless merchant vessel suddenly transforms into a launch platform for a devastating Hypersonic strike — that’s the kind of strategic surprise moo brings to the table.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to other advanced weaponry, moo boasts a relatively low projected cost of around $3 million per unit. This affordability makes it an attractive option for military planners, especially considering the potential return on investment in terms of raw destructive power and strategic advantage.

However, the path to deployment isn’t without its obstacles. The definition of a “Hypersonic weapon” itself is a topic of debate. While moo undoubtedly achieves Hypersonic speeds, it might not fit neatly into existing categories of Hypersonic weapons like Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGVs) or Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCMs). Additionally, moo is still under development and hasn’t been physically tested yet. This means there’s a chance it might not meet the Navy’s specific requirements, especially when it comes to range. The Navy’s Halo program, for example, seeks an air-launched Hypersonic weapon with a longer range than moo appears to offer.

Despite these uncertainties, the potential of moo is undeniable. An air-launched Hypersonic weapon carried by stealth fighters represents a significant leap forward in offensive capabilities. Whether moo is the perfect fit for the Navy or needs further development remains to be seen. But one thing’s for sure: this innovative missile is sure to keep us watching the skies — and the seas — with bated breath. The future of warfare might just be flying at Hypersonic speeds, and Lockheed Martin’s moo missile is at the forefront of this exciting, and potentially era-defining, development.