U.S. progresses in hypersonic arms race with Dark Eagle test
Americans successfully tested the hypersonic Dark Eagle missile, reports the U.S. Department of Defence. The test, conducted on 12 December from Cape Canaveral Spaceport in Florida, marks the culmination of over two years of efforts to launch the weapon from a launcher mounted on a trailer.
A successful test of the conventional hypersonic missile was conducted from Cape Canaveral Spaceport in Florida. This event, carried out by the Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office (RCCTO) in collaboration with the U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Program (SSP), represents a crucial step in the development of advanced weaponry.
Success of Dark Eagle
"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 Christine Wormuth, Secretary of the U.S. Army.
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, this was the second successful test of the All Up Round (AUR) hypersonic weapon system this year. This test was the first to utilise the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system integrated with a mobile operations centre and a launcher mounted on a trailer.
Navy Secretary Carlos Del Toro emphasised the significance of the test: "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."
The test results will support the first operational deployment of the AUR hypersonic weapon by the army and the navy's preparations for the naval deployment of the system. Vice Admiral Johnny R. Wolfe Jr., Director of Navy Strategic Systems Programs, highlighted the importance of collaboration: "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."
Hypersonic Technology in U.S. Hands
Hypersonic systems, reaching speeds more than five times the speed of sound (Mach 5), offer a unique combination of speed, range, manoeuvrability, and altitude. These features make them ideal for eliminating targets in critical times, even in heavily defended areas, reports the U.S. Department of Defense.
The U.S. lags behind Russia and China in the race for hypersonic weapons. Both powers already possess missiles like the Kh-47M2 Kinzhal and 3M22 Zircon, while the U.S. delays the implementation of Dark Eagle. This missile, part of the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system, is intended to be a groundbreaking component of U.S. armament. Its range is approximately 2,740 kilometres, making it a long-range weapon.
A key feature of the missile is its ability to achieve speeds over Mach 5, which is over 5,955 km/h. This enables it to exceed speed limits that pose challenges to most missile defence systems. Dark Eagle is designed to travel, during one phase of its flight, at the edge of Earth's atmosphere, where it remains out of reach of enemy radars, enhancing its combat effectiveness.
In addition to its impressive speed, the Dark Eagle missile has the capability for dynamic trajectory changes, further complicating the prediction of its movement. With such technology, the opponent is unable to accurately determine the target of the attack until the last moment, reducing the time for reaction. Tests conducted in 2024 demonstrated that the missile can cover distances of around 3,220 kilometres, as documented during test launches from land bases in Hawaii.
