The US Army Applications Laboratory has contracted Mach Industries to create a vertical take-off (VTO) cruise missile named Strategic Strike.
The contract, awarded in the third quarter (Q3) of 2024, is expected to enhance strike capabilities through Brigade-level manoeuvre elements.
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Following the contract win, Mach Industries has advanced the Strategic Strike programme.
It finalised the design by the end of September 2024 and successfully tested VTO transitioning to full-performance wingborne flight by mid-January 2025.
The company is now focused on incorporating AI visual and radio frequency (RF) sensing technologies to enable the missile’s operation in environments where GPS and communications are compromised.
Strategic Strike has a range of 290km and is capable of carrying a warhead weighing more than 10kg.
It features combination of high speed, and substantial range/payload capacity.
At the conclusion of the contract, Mach Industries is expected to deliver a VTO asset to the warfighter that combines the range of High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), the speed of a cruise missile, and the impact of Hellfire missiles.
The company notes that development of low-cost, man-portable intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance assets has presented a challenge for manoeuvre elements, which can now detect targets beyond their engagement range.
Strategic Strike is designed to address this gap by enabling forces to engage high-value targets beyond the forward line of troops, enhancing their operational reach and versatility.
It aims to allow for launches from distances beyond enemy radar detection, thereby reducing the risk of discovery and improving the survivability of the launch team.
Tactical manoeuvre units will gain the capability to target and neutralise high-value assets, such as radar arrays and artillery, from extended ranges, the company notes.
Mach Industries CEO and founder Ethan Thornton said: “I truly think the product team we’ve assembled here will drive generational value to the US at this critical time, and I’m excited every day to see the rate of product development continue to accelerate.
“The entire Mach team is eagerly awaiting the day when the factory we’re prototyping Strategic Strike in turns on production and deploys them by the thousands to deter wars.”
