AFRL seeks SDA for Mayhem hypersonic weapon system in follow-up RFI

The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has issued a follow-up Request for Information (RFI) to identify potential industry sources with the necessary expertise, capabilities, and experience “to competently and competitively respond to requirements” for the Expendable Hypersonic Air-Breathing Multi-Mission Demonstrator (designated ‘Mayhem System Demonstrator' [MSD] or ‘Mayhem') programme, as either a prime contractor (integrator) or a Systems Design Agent (SDA).

Incorporating an advanced ‘multicycle engine' propulsion solution, the MSD is required to be capable of carrying larger payloads over distances further than current hypersonic capabilities allow. Prospectively larger in size than the developmental AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon, the MSD will feature a modular payload bay design capable of carrying/delivering ‘multiple' payload options to be able to execute ‘multiple' US Department of Defense (DoD)-defined mission sets.

Mayhem is understood to be synonymous with the Multi-Mission Cruiser budget item reference in the DoD's Fiscal Year 2021 Air Force Research, Development, Test and Evaluation (RDT&E) budget estimates document. According to the entry ‘635098 / Advanced Aerospace Propulsion'