AFRL aims to significantly increase missile range and lethality against highly maneuverable targets with a better flight control actuation system. The MUTANT program’s approach is a form of active morphing involving high-rate pivoting of the missile forebody, referred to as articulation.

Mar 9, 2023 · The AFRL video below provides a visual explanation of how the entire MUTANT concept is intended to work. The articulating nose section could also help better focus the force of the weapon’s warhead, which is typically relatively small on air-to-air missiles, on the target.

aims to significantly increase missile range and against highly maneuverable targets with a flight control actuation system. The MUTANT approach is a form of active morphing high-rate pivoting of the missile forebody, to as articulation.

Oct 3, 2023 · The Missile Utility Transformation Via Articulated Nose Technology program, or MUTANT, uses a form of active morphing involving high-rate pivoting of the missile forebody — referred to as articulation — that increases maneuverability without the drag created by additional fins, according to an AFRL fact sheet.

Mar 15, 2023 · AFRL will perform three ground tests culminating in dual articulation and in control in maneuvering a modified Hellfire missile from mid-fiscal year 2023 to the end of 2024.

Jan 18, 2024 · RE-ARM focuses on developing affordable solid rocket motor production equipment, while MUTANT involves active morphing of missile forebody using articulation technology. The AERRES campaign assesses open architectures for rapid deployment or upgrade of electronic warfare software, emphasizing AFRL's ability to respond to strategic demand signals.

Mar 13, 2023 · The twisted missiles are part of a project at the Air Force Research Laboratory called the Missile Utility Transformation via Articulated Nose Technology (MUTANT) project.

Mar 11, 2023 · US Air Force is reportedly testing MUTANT Missiles capable of twisting in flight to hit highly-maneuverable targets accurately, increasing the chance of landing a hit in air-to-air combat.

Mar 1, 2023 · The AFRL MUTANT program is developing technologies to significantly increase missile range and lethality against highly maneuverable targets with a better flight control actuation system.

Sep 9, 2024 · MUTANT is an articulation control actuation system technology that increases missile effectiveness at longer range against moving targets through active, rapid and smooth pivoting of the missile forebody. This enables the warfighter to destroy air targets at scale, with higher confidence and fewer weapons.