CMMT has been in development for approximately two years with internal funding. The project is being carried out by Skunk Works, Lockheed Martin’s division focused on advanced and classified technology.
The missile is designed to meet the cost and technical requirements of the Franklin program, initiated by the United States Air Force (USAF). The program aims to develop long-range cruise missiles priced at less than $150,000 per unit, complementing larger and more expensive missiles with similar capabilities.
USAF has been testing cruise missile deployment methods as part of the Rapid Dragon program. This involves launching missiles from palletised systems carried by transport aircraft.
A single pallet can accommodate up to 25 CMMT missiles, increasing the potential strike capacity of transport aircraft. Additionally, the missile is expected to be compatible with the internal weapons bay of the F-35 stealth fighter.
Read more: Lockheed Martin.
