Boeing Unveils 'Revolver' Hypersonic Missile Launcher

A C-17 Globemaster III aircraft showcasing Boeing's 'Revolver' launch system, which allows the rapid deployment of hypersonic missiles, such as the Boeing X-51A Waverider, from the rear of the aircraft

Boeing has unveiled a new concept called the 'Revolver' launch system, designed to launch multiple hypersonic missiles from the back of a C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

This advanced launcher features two sequentially installed drums and an electromagnetic catapult mechanism, allowing the rapid launch of up to 12 Boeing X-51A Waverider hypersonic cruise missiles.

The X-51A Waverider, known for its scramjet engine, can travel at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), enabling precision strikes over long distances.

Integrating the Revolver system into the massive C-17 Globemaster III, often called the 'Buddha' for its strong and sturdy look, aligns with the aircraft's versatile uses in various missions, including troop deployment, medical evacuation and cargo transport.

Firing multiple hypersonic missiles in rapid succession allows for swift and decisive action in critical situations, providing an aerial advantage on the battlefield.

While the integration of the launcher within the C-17 is not yet complete, Boeing has released video animations showcasing the potential of this innovative system.

The visuals provide a glimpse into how the system will operate, demonstrating the rapid deployment of hypersonic missiles and the transformative impact it could have on aerial combat capabilities.

Military experts believe that the deployment of hypersonic missiles from aircraft like the C-17 will provide the U.S. military with a significant strategic advantage. This development is part of Boeing's broader efforts to advance hypersonic technology, considered critical for future military capabilities in the U.S.

Boeing manufactured the C-17 for nearly two decades after merging with McDonnell Douglas in 1997. The final C-17 was completed at the Long Beach, Calif., plant and flown on November 29, 2015. The aircraft is currently in service with the U.S. Air Force and the air forces of India, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.

The Pentagon is investing heavily in hypersonic weapons capabilities, most recently awarding Boeing competitor Lockheed Martin a $756 million contract for ground-based hypersonic systems. In March, the U.S. Air Force tested a hypersonic cruise missile in the Pacific for the first time, in a not-so-subtle signal to China that the U.S. remains competitive in a weapons arena where Beijing is perceived to have an advantage with missiles designed to travel at least five times the speed of sound.

Boeing was also recently selected by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) for the Glide Breaker program. This program focuses on developing a hypersonic interceptor prototype capable of destroying high-speed, maneuverable threats during the glide phase of flight.

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