U.S. Army and Navy Achieve Major Milestone with Hypersonic Missile Test

U.S. Army and Navy Complete Successful Hypersonic Missile Test

In an unprecedented collaborative effort, the U.S. Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office joined hands with the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs to successfully undertake an end-to-end flight test of a conventional hypersonic missile. The test was carried out at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.

Christine Wormuth, Secretary of the Army, stated, "This test drives home successful flight tests where the Common Hypersonic Glide Body achieved hypersonic speed at target distances. It further demonstrates our manifest ability to equip the warfighter with this advanced capability."

Groundbreaking Progress in Hypersonic Weaponry

This was the second successful end-to-end trial run for the All Up Round (AUR) this year and marked the maiden live-fire occasion for the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon system via a Battery Operations Center and a Transporter Erector Launcher.

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro characterized the test as a significant milestone in the evolution of cutting-edge weapon systems. He stipulated, "As we draw closer to delivering this capability to our Army counterparts, we will persist in our efforts to weave Conventional Prompt Strike into our Navy surface and subsurface vessels to consolidate our standing as the world's foremost fighting force."

Implications for Army Operational Deployment and Navy Sea-Based Fielding

The knowledge gleaned from these tests will buoy the initial Army Operational Deployment of the common hypersonic AUR and further the Navy's sea-based establishment.

Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe Jr, Director of the Navy's Strategic Systems Programs and the chief architect of the common hypersonic missile, expressed his contentment. He said, "This test stands as proof of the triumphant Navy and Army partnership that has enabled us to create a groundbreaking hypersonic weapon system. This system delivers unparalleled capability to address joint warfighting requirements."

Strengthening the National Defense Strategy and Joint Force

The common hypersonic AUR developed by the Services undergirds the National Defense Strategy. It also furnishes combatant commanders with multifaceted capabilities that reinforce integrated deterrence and mold enduring advantages for the Joint Force.

The advent of hypersonic systems, capable of attaining speeds exceeding Mach 5, has revolutionized military equipment. It offers a potent mix of speed, range, maneuverability, and altitude, delivering rapid neutralization of time-bound and deeply-defended targets. 

Lt. Gen. Robert A. Rasch, Director of Hypersonics, Directed Energy, Space, and Rapid Acquisitions for RCCTO, emphasized the unique characteristics of hypersonic weapons. He said, "Their responsiveness, maneuverability, and survivability are unparalleled by traditional strike capabilities, especially for precision targeting in anti-access/area denial scenarios."

Joint Initiatives for Improved Threat Response

The U.S. Army RCCTO and U.S. Navy SSP programs have teamed up to promptly develop land and sea versions of the hypersonic weapon system. These developments cater to pressing joint warfighting needs. Utilizing a common hypersonic missile and joint test opportunities, the Services aim for more assertive delivery timelines and cost savings. This collaboration puts the Services in a robust position to outpace emerging threats and hold a decisive edge on the battlefield.