The U.S. Army is set to roll out its Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), known informally as Dark Eagle, to its first operational unit by the end of fiscal year 2025, a defense official reportedly confirmed.
This announcement comes after considerable delays due to challenges faced during the weapon's testing phases.
The LRHW is designed as a strategic weapon with a range of approximately 1,725 miles.
U.S. Army's hypersonic missile
This system comprises a ground-launched missile equipped with a hypersonic glide body alongside the necessary transport, support, and fire control equipment.
With speeds exceeding 3,800 miles per hour, the missile can soar to the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere, evading current air and missile defense systems before delivering its payload with little warning.
In its operational capacity, the LRHW aims to counter Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) strategies, neutralize long-range enemy capabilities, and target high-value objectives.
The Army’s collaboration with the Navy is integral to the LRHW's development, which features the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) and a 34.5-inch booster developed by the naval forces.
Mach 5-
The C-HGB, meanwhile, is said to be based on an alternate re-entry system that the Army developed in conjunction with Sandia National Laboratories.
This announcement comes after considerable delays due to challenges faced during the weapon's testing phases.
The LRHW is designed as a strategic weapon with a range of approximately 1,725 miles.
U.S. Army's hypersonic missile
This system comprises a ground-launched missile equipped with a hypersonic glide body alongside the necessary transport, support, and fire control equipment.
With speeds exceeding 3,800 miles per hour, the missile can soar to the edge of the Earth’s atmosphere, evading current air and missile defense systems before delivering its payload with little warning.
In its operational capacity, the LRHW aims to counter Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) strategies, neutralize long-range enemy capabilities, and target high-value objectives.
The Army’s collaboration with the Navy is integral to the LRHW's development, which features the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) and a 34.5-inch booster developed by the naval forces.
Mach 5-
The C-HGB, meanwhile, is said to be based on an alternate re-entry system that the Army developed in conjunction with Sandia National Laboratories.
4 days ago
