Hypersonics

Mission — All Up Round and Canister (AUR+C) source

The mission of Blackbeard Ground Launch (GL) is to attack/neutralize/suppress/destroy using hypersonic missile delivered precision fires (seeker based) against time sensitive moving targets and hardened targets at a much-reduced cost per missile than currently exists in the Army inventory. Blackbeard Ground Launch (GL) is an affordable, mass-produced hypersonic weapon designed for mid-range precision. The Army will leverage advancements in technology, materials, and cost-effective production methods to provide superior capabilities through fast, iterative design cycles, flexible hardware development, and modern manufacturing practices. Blackbeard GL will offer a complementary but enhanced survivable hypersonic precision strike capability, utilizing existing Army launcher platforms. Blackbeard GL is not a replacement to the Long Range Hypersonic Weapons (LRHW) as it will not reach similar velocities nor range. The goal of Blackbeard GL is to deliver approximately 80% of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) Increment 4 capability at a significantly reduced cost. Key features include integration into modified Multiple Launch Rocket Systems Family of Munitions (MFOM) pods and enhanced target discrimination capabilities. Funding will support development, system flight tests, software validation, and full integration into the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) platform, which will expand HIMARS lethality. Blackbeard GL is a companion development to the Army's Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (CAML) effort which holds the potential to replace the base HIMARS launcher platform amongst other launchers. While envisioned as a primary munition for CAML, Blackbeard GL is designed to be compatible with existing HIMARS platforms as an interim solution.

Mission — Hypersonics source

The work in this Program Element (PE) supports the research, development, prototype, test and evaluation of technology to rapidly and efficiently procure, transition, and/or field critical enabling technologies and capabilities that address near-term and mid-term threats and is directly aligned to the Army Long Range Precision Fires modernization priority. PE 0604182A Hypersonics funded the development and prototype fielding of a Long Range Hypersonic Weapon to suppress adversary Long Range Fires and engage other high payoff/time critical targets. This effort encompassed the growth, testing and transition of Long Range Fires technologies. Additionally, the Army will leverage advancements in technology, materials, and cost-effective production methods to provide superior capabilities through fast, iterative design cycles, flexible hardware development, and modern manufacturing practices. The work in this Program Element (PE) now supports development, system flight tests, software validation, and full integration into the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) platform, which will significantly expand HIMARS lethality. The $25.0 million requested in FY26 will fund continued prototype refinement, system flight testing, and key components for HIMARS integration, including the launcher pod and fire control system interface. Key milestones in FY26 include a Flight Termination System Trade Study (Q1) and an MVP Flight Test (Q4) demonstrating integration compatibility.

Mission — Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB) source

Funds the effort to field an experimental prototype Hypersonic Weapon System with residual combat capability at the Battery Level as part of the Long Range Fires Battalion in support of Multi-domain Operations by the end of FY 2023. Initial fielding of all ground support equipment and training canisters, less live rounds, was completed in FY 2021. The Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system will provide the Army a prototype strategic attack weapon system to defeat Anti Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) capabilities, suppress adversary Long Range Fires, and engage other high payoff/time critical targets. The Army is working closely with the Navy in the development of the LRHW. Common with the Navy, the LRHW system includes a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB) and common 34.5 inch booster. Additionally, the LRHW will use an existing Command and Control (C2) Network, the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS).

Mission — Test and Evaluation source

Funds the effort to field an experimental prototype Hypersonic Weapon System with residual combat capability at the Battery Level as part of the Long Range Fires Battalion in support of Multi-domain Operations by the end of FY 2023. Initial fielding of all ground support equipment and training canisters, less live rounds, was completed in FY 2021. The Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system will provide the Army a prototype strategic attack weapon system to defeat Anti Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) capabilities, suppress adversary Long Range Fires, and engage other high payoff/time critical targets. The Army is working closely with the Navy in the development of the LRHW. Common with the Navy, the LRHW system includes a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB) and common 34.5 inch booster. Additionally, the LRHW will use an existing Command and Control (C2) Network, the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS).

Mission — Ground Support Equipment (GSE) source

Funds the effort to field an experimental prototype Hypersonic Weapon System with residual combat capability at the Battery Level as part of the Long Range Fires Battalion in support of Multi-domain Operations by the end of FY 2023. Initial fielding of all ground support equipment and training canisters, less live rounds, was completed in FY 2021. The Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system will provide the Army a prototype strategic attack weapon system to defeat Anti Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) capabilities, suppress adversary Long Range Fires, and engage other high payoff/time critical targets. The Army is working closely with the Navy in the development of the LRHW. Common with the Navy, the LRHW system includes a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB) and common 34.5 inch booster. Additionally, the LRHW will use an existing Command and Control (C2) Network, the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS).

Accomplishments & Planned Programs (4)