Advancing Hypervelocity Projectile Innovation for Next Generation
Air and Missile Defense

The Department of Defense Ordnance Technology Consortium (DOTC) and the National Armaments Consortium (NAC) continue to play central roles in accelerating advanced ordnance technologies across the DoW. This is demonstrated by their support of the U.S. Army’s development of a new hypervelocity projectile (HVP) designed to transform air and missile defense capabilities.

The HVP effort is a key component of the Army’s emerging Multi-Domain Artillery Cannon (MDAC) system. MDAC is being developed to deliver a 155-millimeter cannon-based capability that can counter a wide spectrum of aerial threats, including unmanned systems and cruise missiles. The system is intended to operate as part of a broader integrated defense architecture, leveraging off-board sensors and advanced fire-control systems.

The HVP itself is a next-generation, low-drag, guided round optimized for high speed, maneuverability, and long-range engagement. When fired from a 155-millimeter cannon, the HVP is designed to achieve ranges far beyond traditional artillery while retaining precision and responsiveness critical for modern air defense missions.

A major advantage of the HVP concept is the potential to significantly reduce the cost per interceptor compared to traditional missile-based defenses. By using gun-launched projectiles instead of more expensive missile systems, the Army aims to provide a scalable, high-capacity defense layer capable of defeating a wide range of threats at a fraction of current costs.

This effort also supports the Army’s broader goal of integrating artillery, sensors, and command-and-control systems into a unified and adaptable defensive network.

DOTC’s flexible acquisition structure is instrumental in accelerating high-risk, high-reward ordnance projects like the hypervelocity projectile. Through the use of OTAs, DOTC enables faster prototyping, streamlined collaboration among Government and NAC member organizations, and earlier delivery of critical capabilities to the warfighter. The project demonstrates DOTC’s unique ability to:

• Speed the development of advanced ordnance technologies
• Connect Army program offices with industry leaders for focused innovation
• Reduce barriers to participation for both traditional and nontraditional contractors
• Support rapid transition from design to prototype to potential fielding

The hypervelocity projectile initiative is positioned to play a significant role in the Army’s future air and missile defense architecture. The MDAC system is expected to progress toward a prototype battery by 2027, with DOTC remaining a key enabler of the project’s rapid advancement.

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