USA tests Dark Eagle hypersonic missile

14 December, 2024 Testing of the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon missile, known as Dark Eagle.

2024. USA. Source: US Department of Defense

The US military has successfully tested a hypersonic Long Range Hypersonic Weapon missile, known as Dark Eagle. The US Department of Defense reported that it had been launched from the Cape Canaveral Spaceport in eastern Florida. "As we approach the first delivery of this weapon to our military, we are evolving to integrate Conventional Prompt Strike into our surface and submarine ships to help us remain the world's preeminent fighting force," the Pentagon officials stated.

This missile was developed by Lockheed Martin. It can cover a distance of up to 3,000 kilometers at a flight speed of Mach 4.9. The LRHW is part of the US strategy to develop hypersonic weapons after the country's withdrawal from the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 2020. Back in the summer, the United States Government Accountability Office said that the government had failed to meet the goal of deploying the first LRHW battery by October 1, 2024.

According to their estimates, the deployment of the hypersonic missile will be possible in 2025 if the weapon is tested successfully by December 31, 2024.

Testing of the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon missile, known as Dark Eagle.

2024. USA. Source: US Department of Defense

At the same time, Lockheed Martin has recently adapted the Mako hypersonic missile to most American fighters and disclosed some of its parameters.

It took 7 years to develop a new generation of missiles for the company, which is actually not that long for hypersonic weapons systems, especially ones as compact as the Mako.

Graphic model of the Mako hypersonic missile.

Photo: Lockheed Martin

Mako is equipped with a solid fuel rocket engine that can accelerate the missile to Mach 5.

According to official statements, the missile can reach this speed at high altitude, where it can maneuver.