A breakthrough in weaponization: Lockheed Martin shows off new Mako hypersonic missile (video)
According to the developers, the missile can reach a speed of at least Mach 5, with a range of 350 km. The weapon can be mounted on F-35, F-22, F-16, F-15 and F-18 aircraft with appropriate mounting points.
Lockheed Martin and CoAspire have unveiled a new Mako multi-purpose hypersonic rocket at Sea Air Space 2024. The developers claim to be able to offer the US Navy an ultra-fast, affordable weapon with universal guidance that can hit a variety of targets. This was stated in a report by the British Naval News on April 10.
“For the U.S. Navy, it’s a multi-mission system with high capability, high survivability, and an affordable price, so you’re going to be threatening multiple targets with one weapon system that’s ready to go now,” said Rick Loy, senior program manager.
According to Lockheed Martin representatives, this is the first public demonstration of the hypersonic vehicle since its development began in 2016.
In a demonstration video, the developers showed the moment when these missiles were launched from an F-35A fighter jet. At the same time, Loy noted that Mako is not intended for the US Navy’s Hypersonic Air Launched Offensive (HALO) Anti-Surface program, which aims to create a high-end anti-ship weapon for F/A-18E/F Super Hornets.
What you need to know about Mako
According to him, the missiles were originally intended for the US Air Force as part of the SiAW program. Thus, the Mako was designed to strike enemy missile systems and air defense systems, i.e., enemy defense targets. In addition, it is known that the range of the new missile is 300-350 km.
Loy did not disclose all the details of the missile’s capabilities and characteristics, but noted that the Mako has been simulated on various fighter jets and maritime patrol aircraft, showing a flight speed of at least Mach 5. Moreover, the missile can be installed on F-35, F-22, F-16, F-15, F-18 aircraft with appropriate mounting points.
Answering the question about where Mako will go from here, Loy emphasized that their presentation at SAS 2024 is aimed at attracting interest and continuing their development. However, the missile is “ready to fly, ready now, and ready to start large-scale production quickly.”
