General Atomics Wins Hypersonic Glide Body Subcontract
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems will produce precision-machined parts and cable assemblies under a multiyear Leidos subcontract.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Manufacturing
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems was selected by Leidos for a multiyear subcontract to manufacture precision-machined parts and cable assemblies for the Common Hypersonic Glide Body. The work supports Leidos' Army contract that combines the Common Hypersonic Glide Body and Thermal Protection System programs.
Why it matters
The Common Hypersonic Glide Body supports the Army's Dark Eagle program and the Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike program, making the hardware central to two military hypersonic efforts. The subcontract extends General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems' earlier prototype and flight-test work on the program.
The multiyear subcontract runs through 2031, extending from a 2020 flight test that used General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems hardware and cables. The dollar value and production quantities of the award were not disclosed.
The players
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
A division of General Atomics, a San Diego-based defense contractor that develops and manufactures aerospace and electromagnetic systems for military customers.
Leidos
A Reston, Virginia-based defense and government technology company that serves as the prime contractor on the Army hypersonic contract.
The details
Under the award, General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems will use skilled manufacturing and cable technicians with specialized machining equipment to produce hardware for the Common Hypersonic Glide Body. Testing and inspection will verify conformance to design specifications and quality requirements.
Timeline
2020: Successful Common Hypersonic Glide Body flight test using company hardware.
2031: Multiyear subcontract production period ends.
Industry Trajectory
The subcontract supplies hardware for the Common Hypersonic Glide Body, which underpins the Army's Dark Eagle program and the Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike program. It continues a sequence of prototype work and flight testing that has moved the glide body toward multiservice production.
For San Diego residents, the award keeps defense manufacturing jobs tied to the region's aerospace workforce through 2031. The subcontract does not change consumer prices or product availability.
The takeaway
Multiyear defense subcontracts give local manufacturers a longer planning horizon, and the 2031 end date signals sustained demand for hypersonic hardware. Readers tracking the sector can watch for disclosed contract values as the program advances.
Further reading
Explore more manufacturing coverage from San Diego's defense and industrial sector.
