Lockheed Martin Australia leads partnership to build high-speed, hypersonic launch capability

Lockheed Martin Australia is partnering with Queensland small-to-medium enterprises, academia and the Queensland Government to create a mobile launch platform that will accelerate early-stage research, development, testing and evaluation of high-speed and hypersonic flight technologies. Supported by a $6.38 million contract from Queensland Government’s Sovereign Industry Development Fund, this catalytic project brings together a partnership of Lockheed Martin Australia, Airways Trade Australia, Rocket Technologies International and the University of Queensland. Together they will construct a deployable launch rail and associated telemetry, communications and payload-assembly equipment that facilitates rapid, cost-effective flights up to hypersonic speeds, which commences at Mach 5. “This capability will position Australia at the forefront of high-speed advanced aerospace technology development and will support Australian Government Defence priorities. We are grateful for the support provided by the Queensland Government to this strategically important project”, said Jeremy King, Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin Australia and New Zealand. Rocket Technologies International will design and build the rocket motors for the first series of flights. Allan Payne Chief Executive, Rocket Technologies International said, “Establishing a rocket manufacturing capability in Queensland is a critical step forward for Australia’s long-term sovereign defence preparedness and industrial resilience.” Lockheed Martin said key benefits of the partnership include: Rapid, low‑cost testing of emerging advanced aerospace technologies, reducing time and risk prior to larger, more expensive testing campaigns. Highly configurable platform that can be staged at any Queensland test site, providing researchers and developers with greater flexibility and launch opportunities. Additionally, increased opportunities for land‑based recovery complements diagnostics gained from telemetry, leading to enhanced, faster test diagnostics. Provides Australian and international industry, academia and government access to high‑speed test ranges across Queensland. Generates a pipeline for future low‑cost rocket boosters, starting with sub-Mach 5 systems. Supports international collaboration with AUKUS, QUAD and other partners. For Editorial Inquiries Contact: Editor Kym Bergmann at [email protected] For Advertising Inquiries Contact: Group Sales Director Simon Hadfield at [email protected]