Skyward Innovation: Boeing and U.S. Navy Unveil Next-Gen Ramjet Missile Technology
Boeing and the United States Navy are set to showcase cutting-edge missile technologies that will enhance the lethality of carrier air wing strike fighters against threats well into the next decade.
Boeing has secured a $30 million agreement from the Navy to collaboratively develop the Supersonic Propulsion Enabled Advanced Ramjet (SPEAR) flight demonstrator alongside the Navy’s Air Warfare Center Weapons Division.
This contract award follows a request from the Department of Defense for insights from the defense sector to assist the Navy in identifying technical specifications for future carrier-based land and maritime strike weapon systems.
“The SPEAR flight demonstrator will significantly upgrade the F/A-18 Super Hornet and carrier strike group’s range and survivability against sophisticated defensive threat systems,” stated Steve Mercer, Boeing’s SPEAR program director. “We have an exceptional team of engineers poised to tackle the demanding technical challenges and timeframe required for the SPEAR initiative. We eagerly anticipate collaborating with Navy specialists to propel technologies for the Navy’s upcoming capabilities.”
Boeing and the Navy Air Warfare Center Weapons Division are scheduled to conduct the SPEAR demonstrator flight in late 2022. Previous achievements by Boeing in the realm of supersonic and hypersonic technologies include the X-51 Waverider test vehicle launched in 2010 and the Variable Flow Ducted Rocket propulsion system within the Triple Target Terminator project in 2014.
Boeing is recognized as the largest aerospace corporation globally and a premier supplier of commercial aircraft, defense, space and security solutions, along with global services. As a prominent U.S. exporter, the firm caters to both commercial and governmental clients across more than 150 nations. Building on a rich legacy of aerospace excellence, Boeing continues to lead in innovation and technology, fulfilling its commitments to customers while investing in its workforce and future growth.
