Raytheon, a business under Raytheon Technologies, has secured a contract from the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) to develop the Gambit program. This program focuses on the development of an air-breathing propulsion system that utilizes a novel rotating detonation engine. The Gambit program is a pioneering effort aimed at developing an innovative propulsion system. It employs a rotating detonation engine, which offers several advantages over conventional missile propulsion systems. These advantages include increased compactness, higher propulsion efficiency, and the potential for lower costs.
The development of the Gambit engine has significant implications for future weapons systems across multiple branches of the military. The compact and efficient nature of this engine can provide enhanced range and speed compared to current long-range weapons. This capability allows for rapid responses to advanced threats. Under the contract, Raytheon will employ an iterative development approach that involves creating performance models. These models will be informed by real-world data gathered from incremental system tests. This approach accelerates the learning process, leading to more predictable flight test outcomes while saving time and costs.