The development of fundamentally new missiles has begun in the United States. The project was called "Mutant", and it is based on the design of ammunition with a nose rotating on hinges relative to the rocket body. Such a decision will allow, according to the developers, to increase the range of the missile and the accuracy of hitting the target.
The Drive writes that a fundamentally new ammunition is being designed for future fighters sixth generation. The innovative solution will effectively counter the increasingly maneuverable combat aircraft and drones of a potential enemy. At the moment, the concept of a rocket with a flexible nose has been developed, but there are difficulties with the selection of materials for creating hinges.
To be effective in air-to-air missile applications, the articulated structure must withstand the high temperatures and other stresses associated with high-speed flight. In addition, the entire front of the weapon must be able to withstand the impact of a rapid change in flight direction. The project will culminate in the dual articulation and control of not only the nose, but also the rear fenders when maneuvering.
- writes The Drive.
The Mutant project, according to the US Air Force, will change the idea of \u35b\u2024bair-to-air missiles. The articulated nose can not only help increase the missile's maneuverability, but also better focus the power of the warhead. According to The Drive, some elements of the future conceptually new rocket have already passed ground tests. The principle of operation of the hinge mechanism is in many ways similar to the thrust vectoring system on the F-XNUMXB VTOL fighter. The completion of design and testing work is scheduled for the end of XNUMX.