Orbital ATK joins DARPA to research hypersonic engines

Orbital is developing other advanced engines, such as a rocket pulse motor for cold weather, and has experience working with hypersonic engine systems.

"The company also maintains a number of state-of-the-art hypersonic test facilities along the East Coast, as well as offers custom test products to organizations to advance these groundbreaking capabilities and meet the needs of tomorrow's warfighter," Orbital said in a press release.

DARPA's Advanced Full Range Engine program aims to develop a new aircraft propulsion system that is capable of a full range of speeds and multiple takeoff and landing methods, along with technology and systems that can operate and be sustainable at hypersonic speeds.

In addition to Orbital working DARPA on the integrated engine, the company is developing a rocket pulse motor that has the ability to operate in extreme cold temperatures with the goal of providing commanders with increased range and flexibility for both tactical and defense operations.