И мартовская инфа про SHOC:
The US Department of Defense (DoD) is preparing a programme to
enable it to move closer to the goal of developing and fielding
long-range high-speed missiles potentially capable of striking time-
critical targets and defeating deeply buried bunkers. Both are
perceived as difficult challenges for current armed forces'
capabilities.
Called the Standoff High-speed Option for Counter-proliferation
(SHOC), the system would provide a short-term capability to
warfighters and be a stepping-stone to reaching an eventual goal of
fielding hypersonic missiles, said US officials. Many in the DoD
view hypersonic weapons as a promising means to help solve difficult
problems such as how to strike mobile targets as well as those
buried deep underground.
The SHOC, a proposed Fiscal Year 2004 (FY04) advanced concept
technology demonstration (ACTD) to be led by the US Navy, would be
conducted in conjunction with the Defense Threat Reduction Agency,
which is interested in the concept as a possible means to destroying
chemical and biological weapons concealed underground.
According to Capt Carl Reiber, the navy's programme manager for
standoff missile systems, the SHOC programme will initially focus on
developing an air-launched long-range missile capable of high
supersonic speeds of M3.5-M4.5 with a range of between 400nm and
600nm. Initially SHOC had a planned goal of M4.0-M6.0, Capt Reiber
said, but that has been revised following further studies.
The missile is intended to be no heavier than 2,000 lb (907kg),
allowing it to be launched from tactical aircraft such as the navy's
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet multirole fighter. The three-year ACTD
programme would produce "a few" prototypes to be test-fired and 10
residual missiles for emergency use, Capt Reiber said. If
successful, the effort would become a formal development programme
in FY07 and seek an initial operational capability in FY10-11.
While no formal production quantities have been finalised, Capt
Reiber said the navy is looking at producing 1,000 SHOC systems at
an estimated cost of $500,000 per missile.
The UK is also interested in joining the programme, contributing up
to 10% of the funding. The UK sees SHOC as a tie-in to its Future
Offensive Air System programme and the Selectable Precision Effects
At Range (SPEAR) concept. The US Air Force is another potential
partner and is studying the programme.
Although the SHOC is not yet a formal project and still needs
authorisation by the Joint Requirements Oversight Council, expected
by mid-year, it has successfully passed several reviews such as "the
breakfast club" - an informal group that considers ACTD proposals.
Boeing,
Lockheed Martin and Orbital Sciences are all expected to bid
on the programme. MBDA is also expected to bid as a propulsion
subcontractor, most likely through a Boeing-led bid.