Lokid Martin je na SAS 2024. predstavio svoju hipersonicnu krilatu raketu Mako, posebno razvijenu da moze da stane u unutrasnje spremnike F-35. Lokid ga trenutno nudi Mornarici.
Projekat postoji vec 7 godina i testiran je na razlicitim avionima a mogao bi ga nositi bilo koji avion sposoban da nosi BRU-32 nosace. Takodje bi bilo moguce lansiranje i sa zemaljskih i mornarickih platformi. Iz Lokida kazu da je raketa spremna za proizvodnju.
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What was disclosed was that the system would be at least Mach 5 and that the concept missile being shown off at SAS 2024 was the same one used for fit checks on aircraft. Loy confirmed that Mako has been fit-checked, first electronically and then with the model on various fighter jets and maritime patrol aircraft. According to Loy, the Mako is “compatible with any aircraft that has 30-inch lugs,” using the widely used BRU-32 heavy-duty ejector rack as an example.
The Mako shown off at SAS was put onto F-35, F-22, F-16, F-15, F-18, and a Navy P-8. Loy also confirmed that the system could be placed internally into an F-35, with one per bay. Likewise, as seen through their pitch to the US Navy at SAS 2024, Mako can be deployed from aircraft launched from carriers. Loy further stated that “there is nothing precluding the launch of this weapon from surface, ground, or even sub-surface like other weapons,” hinting at the possibility for Mako’s future launch platforms beyond aircraft.
“The world is interested in hypersonic capability and we are interested in providing it to them,” Loy said in regards to the possibility of other customers outside the U.S.
Citat:When asked about where Mako will go, Loy highlighted that their showing at SAS 2024 aims to garner interest and continue its development. However, Mako is “ready to fly, ready now, and is ready to go in scale and into production quickly.”
