Prototype developed and tested in 50 days
Raytheon, an RTX business, has completed a test for a ground-launched variant of the StormBreaker smart weapon. The business designed, developed and tested the new variant in 50 days.
The test was held this spring at a private test range in the Mojave Desert. A prototype of the new StormBreaker was launched using a commercial off-the-shelf rocket motor. It achieved key milestones including reaching approximately 20,000 feet of altitude.
„Recent global conflicts have highlighted the need for a smart, ground-launched, precision strike weapon that can perform in GPS-contested areas,“ said Sam Deneke, president of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon. „StormBreaker is a composable weapon, which allows it to be customized to meet mission demands. Using the foundational components of air-launched StormBreaker allowed us to move faster than ever before, going from concept to test flight in under two months.“
StormBreaker is the only fielded, network-enabled smart weapon that can engage moving and stationary targets in fair and adverse weather conditions, at land or at sea. It is approved for use on the F-15E and the F/A-18-E/F Super Hornet and is currently being integrated on the F-35A/B/C.
Raytheon has invested significantly in independent research and development, capital assets and facilities, and the acquisition of subject matter experts to accelerate the development of Ground-Launched StormBreaker. The new variant covers the same target set as air-launched StormBreaker with extended range and expanded offensive capabilities. Additional tests will be held throughout 2025.
