RTX [RTX] has successfully completed a technical review of a prototype for the first phase of the Navy’s new aircraft carrier-based Hypersonic Air Launched Anti-Surface missile, called HALO, that is meant to allow the Navy to operate in contested littoral zones, particularly in waters near China.
The review follows awards last March to both RTX and Lockheed Martin [LMT] for the development of their respective HALO designs (
Defense Daily, March 29, 2023). Preliminary designs are expected to be completed this year.
RTX’s Raytheon segment is conducting the Phase 1 HALO work at its facilities in Tucson, Ariz. The company said it created the digital and physical design concepts using digital and model-based engineering, which is speeding development of the long-range missile.
“A successful fit check on an F/A-18 was held in the fall, ensuring that the prototype is compatible with the Navy’s Super Hornet aircraft and existing support equipment,” RTX said. HALO is planned as a successor to the Lockheed Marti-built AGM-158C Long Range Anti-Ship Missile that is fielded on F/A-18s and the Air Force’s B-1B bombers.