With the successful completion of the recent tests, the Army is slated to deploy the first battery of LHRW by the end of FY2025.
Over the past several years, hypersonic missiles have become the new cutting-edge military technology with all the major players: China, Russia, and the United States are investing heavily in their design and development. While most examples of these weapons are air-launched variants, like the Russian Kh-47M2
Khinzal
Which has been utilized in Ukraine, the U.S. Army has been developing a ground-based Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW).
Two weeks ago, the Army formally
designated
This system, known as the Dark Eagle, was developed concurrently with another success.
test launch
The operation was conducted from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, marking another successful trial. In last year’s test launch in Kauai, Hawaii, the missile traveled more than 2,000 miles before landing near the Marshall Islands. Additionally, in December at Cape Canaveral, the Army executed a test launch using a Transporter-Erector Launcher, which serves as the mobile launching platform for the LHRW system. “Hypersonic weapons will make it harder for adversaries to decide their next move, thereby enhancing our deterrent capabilities,” stated the high-ranking official.
performing
The responsibilities of the assistant secretary of the Army for acquisition, logistics, and technology include various critical tasks. “Their swiftness, precision, and adaptability make their updated common moniker, Dark Eagle, highly suitable.”
What We Understand About the Dark Eagle
An LHRW battery consists of multiple trucks and trailers, with each unit transporting two missiles, as well as including a command vehicle. The missiles comprise Common Hypersonic Glide Bodies (C-HGBs), which are propelled by solid rocket boosters. After launch, the
missile
Once it reaches the necessary altitude and airspeed, the booster detaches from the C-HRB, which then descends towards the target at Mach 5.0 (five times the speed of sound). The C-HGB project has been under development for several years now; the U.S. Navy initiated this effort back in 2018. Additionally, the Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office was involved, contributing their efforts as they have been exploring hypersonic technology since the early 2010s.
Even though the system is intended for
Army
The Navy has played a significant role in creating a unified system that it can acquire for use on both ships and submarines. Beyond the C-HGB, the Navy has spearheaded the development of the solid-fuel rocket motor as well as the second-stage booster. Both components underwent successful tests in 2020 and 2021, clearing the path for the larger-scale launch trials conducted in recent years.
When Is the Dark Eagle Expected to Become Operationally Ready?
Following the successful conclusion of the latest trials, the Army plans to
deploy
By the end of Fiscal Year 2025, the first Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LHRW) battery will be operational. Presently, Bravo Battery of the 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery is already utilizing this technology and took part in Exercise Resolute Hunter 24-2 at Naval Air Station Fallon last year. Although the specific assignment for deploying the LHRW battery hasn’t been confirmed yet, it is expected to join the Indo-Pacific operations under the command of the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force stationed at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington.
About the Author: Maya Carlin
Maya Carlin
The National Security Writer for The National Interest serves as an analyst at the Center for Security Policy and previously held the position of Anna Sobol Levy Fellow at IDC Herzliya in Israel. Her work has been featured in numerous outlets such as The National Interest, Jerusalem Post, and Times of Israel. Follow her on Twitter for more insights.
@MayaCarlin
Carlin has authored more than 1,000 articles over recent years covering a range of defense topics.
Image:
DVIDS
.