US accelerates hypersonic weapon development
Three precision sounding hypersonic rocket launches were carried out in the US on 20 October. (Photo: USN)
Latest flight campaign reflects DoD priority to field hypersonic weapons by the mid-2020s.
The USN and US Army have jointly tested advanced hypersonic technologies, capabilities, and prototype systems in a realistic operating environment.
Three precision sounding rocket launches were conducted on 20 October, the USN announced on 21 October. The results will inform development of the USN Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) and the US Army Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) offensive hypersonic strike capabilities.
The launches were carried out by Sandia National Laboratories (SNL) at the NASA Wallops Flight Facility.
Precision sounding rocket launches ‘fill a critical gap’ between ground testing and full system flight testing of a hypersonic weapon, the USN noted, to ‘support rapid maturation of offensive and defensive hypersonic technologies.
These technologies include the USN-designed hypersonic missile, comprising a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB) and booster, which will be fielded by the USN and US Army with individual weapon systems and launchers tailored for launch from sea or land.
The CHGB underwent tests in March 2020 and the USN stated that it will continue to work ‘in close collaboration’ with the US Army to leverage joint testing opportunities for hypersonic weapons in line with stated DoD priorities.
The DoD aims to field a hypersonic warfighting capability in the early-to mid-2020s.
More from Defence Notes
-
![UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”]()
UK Chancellor commits £2 billion to make the country a “defence industrial superpower”
Rachel Reeves announced port upgrades, protected budgets for innovation and investment in novel technologies.
-
![Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market]()
Launch of Gilat Defense targets DoD market
The communications company Gilat launched its new Gilat Defense division at the Satellite 2025 expo, with future solutions aimed at US military customers.
-
![Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft]()
Collins MAPS Gen II to equip US DoD watercraft
US services have already conducted multiple tests with military maritime systems fitted with the system.
-
![OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”]()
OCCAR expects substantial boost in programme numbers “in the coming months”
Europe’s Organisation for Joint Armament Cooperation (OCCAR) “has to establish itself…as a centre of excellence for cooperative Defence Equipment Programmes” in the face of growing threats and the need for rearmament, according to the organisation’s chairman.
-
![MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog]()
MBDA CEO emphasises “moment of truth” for Europe as company sees €37 billion backlog
MBDA CEO Éric Béranger stressed the company’s role supporting European countries with complex weapon systems and focused on boosting production against the backdrop of “shifting” geopolitical alliances.
