Army and Navy team up for hypersonic missile launch from Cape Canaveral

Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel on Dec 13, 2024

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KENNEDY SPACE CENTER — Cape Canaveral Space Force Station had a different kind of launch on its plate Thursday when the Army and Navy teamed up to complete a test of a hypersonic missile.

The launch of what is known as the Dark Eagle Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon system was an end-to-end test using Space Launch Complex 46, which hosted a pair of Astra Space rocket launches in 2022.

The launch apparatus used a battery operations center and transporter erector launcher sending the missile streaking east over the Atlantic in a successful test, according to a press release from the Department of Defense.

The conventional hypersonic missile test was performed by the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office with Navy Strategic Systems Programs. It was the second test of the year for the system, but the first “live-fire event,” the DOD stated.

“This test builds on several flight tests in which the Common Hypersonic Glide Body achieved hypersonic speed at target distances and demonstrates that we can put this capability in the hands of the warfighter,” said Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth.

The system is meant to be deployed on land or sea. Hypersonic missiles travel at more than five times the speed of sound offering a much more difficult weapon to counter after launch.

“This test is a demonstration of the successful Navy and Army partnership that has allowed us to develop a transformational hypersonic weapon system that will deliver unmatched capability to meet joint warfighting needs,” said Vice Admiral Johnny R. Wolfe Jr, Director of the Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs.

The Navy, which leads the program to design a common hypersonic missile, is partnering with the Army to allow for a quicker timeline and lower cost to getting operational weapons in the field, the DOD stated.

“This test marks an important milestone in the development of one of our most advanced weapons systems. As we approach the first delivery of this capability to our Army partners, we will continue to press forward to integrate Conventional Prompt Strike into our Navy surface and subsurface ships to help ensure we remain the world’s preeminent fighting force,” said Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro.

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