Lockheed Martin is looking into ways to make the production of the Mako hypersonic multi-mission missile faster and more affordable.
The company said Monday that Mako already benefits from having been designed with producibility in mind. The missile also incorporates components from systems that have already been fielded and from proven supply chains.
Among the technologies Lockheed is eyeing to achieve time and cost savings is additive manufacturing. The process has already been used to make Mako’s guidance section and fins.
Mako was offered for the U.S. Air Force’s Stand-in Attack Weapon program but the weapon did not continue into phase 2. It is nevertheless designed to fit in a variety of fighter aircraft, including the F-35.