The United States (U.S.) defense company Lockheed Martin plans to develop a new hypersonic missile named Mako in the United Kingdom (UK) before starting its production in the U.S.
Named after the fastest shark, the Mako missile will be a prototype with significant maneuvering capabilities. It will be able to reach speeds exceeding Mach 5 (approximately 6.174 km/h) and will be designed for combat aircraft such as the F-35, used by the Royal Air Force. Mako will be employed for strikes on naval and ground targets, as well as for destroying air defenses.
Lockheed Martin’s decision to develop the missile in the UK marks a departure from their usual practices. Tim Cahill, president of Lockheed’s Missiles and Fire Control division, stated that the AUKUS military-security alliance between the UK, the U.S., and Australia facilitates technology sharing and helps prioritize defense spending amid limited budgets.
The Mako missile has been under development since 2017 but did not advance to Phase 2 of the U.S. Air Force’s Stand-in Attack Weapon (SiAW) competition last year. Despite this, Lockheed continued to develop Mako for various aircraft in both short- and long-range missions.
Lockheed Martin recently disclosed more details about the weapon, including its ability to fit into the internal bays of F-35 and F-22 fighter jets. This is rare for hypersonic weapons, which typically require large engines and storage space for fuel. Mako has a diameter of only 33 cm and a length of 3.96 meters, allowing it to be transported internally in fifth-generation U.S. aircraft. It is also validated for external carriage on aircraft such as the F/A-18, F-15, F-16, and P-8. Lockheed claims that any aircraft with 76 cm hardpoints can carry this weapon.
Lockheed utilizes additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing, in the production of the Mako missile. This process allows for the creation of parts, such as guidance systems and wings, at a fraction of the cost and speed compared to traditional methods. This technology enables the faster and more economical development of sophisticated systems.
As Russia and China lead the race in developing hypersonic missiles, Lockheed Martin hopes that Mako will provide the U.S. Navy with an advantage. Russia reportedly introduced its first hypersonic missile in 2019, while China began deploying its first hypersonic systems the same year, Klix.ba writes.
E.Dz.
