Lockheed Martin revealed on Tuesday it is on the brink of a technological breakthrough that could lead to the US developing military aircraft that can fly six times the speed of sound.
Marillyn Hewson, Lockheed’s chief executive, outlined the proposed hypersonic aircraft as she also disclosed the company was working on a laser weapon that could be used on the battlefield.
At the company’s annual media day, Ms Hewson expressed optimism about future US military budgets following years of cutbacks.
She said that lawmakers seemed set to pass an increase in the budget for 2016-17.
However, her most eye-catching remarks were about innovation. She said a series of technological advances were on the verge of making possible weapons systems that had been mooted for years but never come to fruition.
A hypersonic aircraft would give US military planners a significant advantage in reaching targets before opponents had time to react.
(Excerpt) Read more at ft.com ...
