Project to develop new ground-based weapons

Operational Fires (OpFires), a joint program between the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) and the U.S. Army, will soon launch with a goal of developing and demonstrating an innovative, mobile ground-launched system.

The system allows hypersonic boost glide weapons to penetrate enemy air defenses and to engage critical time-sensitive targets.

“OpFires represents a critical capability development in support of the Army’s investments in long-range precision fires,” Maj. Amber Walker, DARPA’s OpFires program manager, said. “These awards are the first step in the process to deliver this capability in support of U.S. overmatch.”

Three companies have been awarded contracts to begin work: Aerojet Rocketdyne, Exquadrum, and Sierra Nevada Corporation.

During Phase 1 of the program, the companies will develop and demonstrate systems that provide variable thrust propulsion across different parameters for large tactical missiles.

Phase 1 will take 12 months and will include a series of tests to evaluate design and system compatibility with future tactical operating environments.

Phase 2 will advance the designs and tests will demonstrate performance with hot/static fire. The phase has a target completion date of late 2020.

Phase 3 will focus on weapon system integration and integrated end-to-end flight tests and is scheduled to be completed in 2022.