Description

Source: FI
Disclaimer: Copyright infringement not intended.
Context:
- The US Navy, Navy SEAL commandos, and the US Air Force are set to install the Mako missile in all their military aircraft.
Details:
About Mako Missile:
The air-launched hypersonic multi-mission missile, developed by Lockheed Martin, will be the world's first hypersonic weapon deployable from the internal weapons bay of fifth-generation stealth fighter jets like the F-35 and F-22 Raptor. It is designed for various missions, targeting threats at sea, in the air, and on land.
Key Features:
Speed
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Maneuverability
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- High, making it difficult to intercept
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Mission Capabilities
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- Time-sensitive target engagement; penetrates advanced air-defense systems
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Development
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- Part of Lockheed Martin’s first generation of missiles designed within a “digital engineering ecosystem”
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Weight
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Diameter
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Length
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Key Features
- Hypersonic Speed: The Mako missile operates at speeds greater than Mach 5, allowing it to strike targets quickly and with high precision.
- Maneuverability: It is designed to maneuver effectively in the hypersonic regime, making it difficult for advanced air-defense systems to intercept.
- Multi-Mission Capability: Mako can support various missions, including:
- Strike Missions: Targeting fixed or mobile ground targets.
- Maritime Strike: Engaging naval targets.
- Counter-Air Defense: Penetrating and neutralizing enemy air defense systems.
Development and Maturity
- Development Period: The Mako missile has been in development for seven years, emphasizing a detailed and rigorous design and testing phase.
- Digital Acquisition: It supported the S. Air Force’s first digital acquisition missile program, indicating a high level of technological integration and maturity.
Recent Developments and Deployment
- S. Security Enhancement: The introduction of Mako is a key component in strengthening U.S. defense capabilities, providing a versatile tool for various combat scenarios.
- Future Prospects: Ongoing developments and potential upgrades will likely expand its capabilities further, making it a pivotal asset in modern warfare.
Strategic Importance
- Rapid Response: Named after the fastest shark, Mako is designed to engage time-sensitive targets where every second is critical.
- Penetrative Capability: Its ability to penetrate advanced air defenses makes it suitable for targeting high-value installations in hostile environments.
- Compact Design: Mako is compact enough to fit in the internal bays of stealth aircraft, enabling close-up launches and enhancing the stealth profile of the delivering aircraft.
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Source:
https://www.financialexpress.com/business/defence-strengthening-us-security-the-introduction-of-the-mako-hypersonic-missile-3566391/
https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/news/features/2024/mako-a-hypersonic-missile-thats-more-than-ready.html
PRACTICE QUESTION
- Consider the following statements about the Mako missile:
- It is an air-launched hypersonic missile developed by Lockheed Martin.
- It can achieve speeds over Mach 2.5 and has high maneuverability.
- The missile is designed to be launched from the internal weapons bay of fourth-generation stealth fighter jets.
Which of the above statements is/are incorrect?
- A) 1 and 2 only
- B) 1, and 3 only
- C) 2 and 3 only
- D) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
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