US Air Force eyes reusable hypersonic VTOL bomber that can strike without runway

U.S. Air Force Global Strike Command has asked industry for a prototype reusable strike aircraft that can take off and land vertically at hypersonic speed.

The concept is meant to operate from dispersed locations even if major bases in Guam and Japan are hit by missiles and runways are unusable.

Industry responses are due August 4, with a contract potentially following within 30 to 45 days.

If pursued successfully, the program could create a new class of long-range strike aircraft and reshape U.S. airpower in contested theaters.