The recent initiation of a hypersonic weapon test by the U.S. Army and Navy marks a significant event in the ongoing development of advanced military technology. Despite the secrecy surrounding the test’s outcome, system specifics, and even the occurrence of the launch, this event underscores the critical phase of hypersonic weapon systems in the U.S. military’s arsenal. Previous testing, particularly of the Army’s Dark Eagle ground-based hypersonic weapon system, has faced numerous challenges, including three failed launches last year. The Army aims to field Dark Eagle within the next two months, a year later than initially planned.
The Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon: Dark Eagle’s Journey and Future Prospects
The Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), commonly known as Dark Eagle, represents a significant leap in military technology, offering unparalleled speed and precision. This cutting-edge weapon system, with a reported range of 1,725 miles, comprises a ground-launched missile equipped with a hypersonic glide body, alongside essential transport, support, and fire control equipment. The Dark Eagle’s development is a collaborative effort involving various defense contractors and the U.S. military, with the aim of providing the Army with a strategic asset capable of overcoming Anti-Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) capabilities and engaging high-value, time-critical targets.
The Technical Marvel of Dark Eagle
The LRHW system’s defining feature is its hypersonic missiles, which can travel at speeds exceeding 3,800 miles per hour. These missiles can reach the upper layers of the Earth’s atmosphere, skimming just beyond the range of conventional air and missile defense systems until they are poised to strike, leaving adversaries with little to no reaction time. This capability is critical in modern warfare, where speed and precision can decisively determine the outcome of conflicts.
According to the Army, the LRHW is designed to suppress adversary long-range fires and engage other high-payoff, time-sensitive targets, enhancing the United States’ strategic attack capabilities. The system leverages the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) and a 34.5-inch booster developed in collaboration with the Navy. This synergy between the branches underscores the strategic importance of hypersonic weapons in the U.S. military’s arsenal.
Image: Soldiers assigned to Bravo Battery, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery (Long Range Fires Battalion), 1st Multi-Domain Task Force, prepare one of the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon Transporter Erector Launchers to fire during exercise Resolute Hunter 24-2 on Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Wash., June 25, 2024. U.S. Army Photo
Components of the LRHW
The Missile
The missile component of the LRHW is a product of collaboration between Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman. When combined with the hypersonic glide body, it is known as the Navy-Army All Up Round plus Canister (AUR+C). This missile serves as the common two-stage booster for both the Army’s LRHW and the Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) system, capable of being launched from surface vessels and submarines. The versatility of the AUR+C highlights the adaptability of the LRHW across different military platforms and scenarios.
Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB)
The C-HGB, based on the Alternate Re-Entry System developed by the Army and Sandia National Laboratories, is currently being produced by Dynetics, a subsidiary of Leidos, under contract for the Army and Navy. The glide body is propelled to hypersonic speeds by a booster rocket motor before detaching and continuing its flight. The C-HGB’s ability to travel at Mach 5 or higher and its maneuverability make it exceptionally challenging to detect and intercept, enhancing its effectiveness as a strategic weapon.
Image: Comparison of Ballistic and Hypersonic Flight Paths – resource – GAO-24-106792 United States Government Accountability Office
Organizational Structure and Units
The LRHW is organized into batteries, each consisting of four Transporter Erector Launchers mounted on modified M870A4 trailers, each equipped with two AUR+Cs, totaling eight missiles per battery. Additionally, each battery includes a Battery Operations Center (BOC) for command and control, along with a BOC support vehicle.
The first operational unit designated to manage the LRHW is the 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. This battalion, also known as a Strategic Long-Range Fires battalion, is part of the Army’s 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF), which is stationed in the Indo-Pacific-oriented I Corps at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Further LRHW batteries are planned for other MDTFs as they become operational.
Testing and Development Milestones
Initial Testing Phases
The LRHW has undergone extensive testing to ensure its performance and reliability. The development process has included numerous flight tests to evaluate the missile’s sensitive electronics, material performance, and aerodynamic properties at temperatures reaching up to 3,000° Fahrenheit. Initially, the Army planned three flight tests before fielding the first LRHW battery in FY2023.
However, the testing phase has encountered several setbacks. On October 21, 2021, a booster rocket carrying the C-HGB failed, resulting in a test characterized as a “no test” since the glide body had no chance to deploy. Subsequently, a June 2022 test of the entire LRHW missile also ended in failure.
Flight Test Delays and Adjustments
In October 2022, the Department of Defense (DOD) delayed a scheduled LRHW test to assess the root cause of the June failure. The rescheduled test was planned for the first quarter of FY2023, but further complications arose. On March 5, 2023, during pre-flight checks for Joint Flight Campaign-2, the countdown was halted, and the test was scrubbed. Again, in September 2023, another flight test was canceled due to issues identified during pre-flight checks at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
A Shift in Testing Strategy
Following these setbacks, Navy and Army acquisition executives decided in November 2023 to revamp the testing strategy. This new approach involves subcomponent testing to isolate and address issues more effectively. This change in strategy is expected to streamline the development process and mitigate risks associated with full-system tests.
Fielding and Budgetary Considerations
Delayed Deployment
The integration challenges faced during testing have significantly delayed the fielding of the LRHW. According to a June 2024 Government Accountability Office (GAO) report, the Army missed its goal of fielding the first LRHW battery by fiscal year 2023. Based on current test and production plans, the first complete LRHW battery is not expected to be operational until fiscal year 2025. The successful deployment of an operational system hinges on a successful end-to-end missile flight test using the Army’s launch system.
Budget Allocations
The FY2025 budget request for the LRHW reflects the ongoing development and fielding efforts. The budget includes $538 million for Research, Development, Test & Evaluation (RDT&E) and $744 million for missile procurement, underscoring the significant investment required to bring this advanced weapon system to operational status.
Recent Developments and Future Prospects
Successful Flight Test in June 2024
A significant milestone was achieved on June 28, 2024, when the DOD announced the successful completion of an end-to-end flight test of a hypersonic missile. This test, conducted at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in Kauai, Hawaii, demonstrated the performance of the Conventional Prompt Strike and Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon All Up Round. The missile was launched from a ground stand and traveled over 2,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean to a test range in the Marshall Islands, where it successfully released the glide body, which flew to its target.
Upcoming Challenges and Considerations
With the first successful end-to-end flight test completed, the Army is poised to proceed with missile production and fielding. However, several challenges remain. Congress may need to oversee additional testing of the newly produced missiles to ensure their reliability before deployment. Furthermore, the high costs associated with hypersonic missiles, estimated at $41 million per missile by a January 2023 Congressional Budget Office (CBO) study, could impact the quantity of LRHW missiles available for sustained combat operations.
The development and deployment of the Army’s Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon, Dark Eagle, mark a significant advancement in military technology. Despite facing numerous challenges and delays, the LRHW promises to provide the U.S. military with a powerful strategic asset capable of overcoming modern A2/AD defenses and engaging high-value targets with unprecedented speed and precision. As the Army continues to refine and test this sophisticated weapon system, its successful integration into the military’s arsenal will undoubtedly shape the future of warfare.
In-depth analysis of tests…
Hypersonic Weapon Testing Challenges and Progress
The Pentagon announced a successful test of a common hypersonic missile, designed for both the Army’s Dark Eagle and the Navy’s Intermediate Range Conventional Prompt Strike (IRCPS) weapon systems. However, a full end-to-end test of the missile with a production-representative launch system is yet to be conducted. A U.S. defense official highlighted the importance of this test as a benchmark in developing operational hypersonic technology, collecting vital hardware and software performance data.
While the exact date of the test remains unclear, public notices and online flight tracking suggest it took place on July 25. Observers noted the presence of various aircraft typically involved in hypersonic testing, including a U.S. Navy NP-3D missile tracking aircraft, NASA’s WB-57F research planes, and contractor-operated High Altitude Observatory (HALO) jets. There is speculation that the test involved the Army’s Dark Eagle weapon system, though this is not confirmed.
The Dark Eagle and IRCPS Hypersonic Systems
The Dark Eagle/LRHW (Long Range Hypersonic Weapon) and IRCPS represent a joint hypersonic weapon program initiated in 2019. The IRCPS is set to be integrated into the Navy’s Zumwalt class stealth destroyers and future Block V Virginia class submarines. The common missile under development for both systems is a boost-glide vehicle hypersonic weapon, consisting of a large rocket booster with an unpowered hypersonic boost-glide vehicle.
Hypersonic weapons like these use their rocket boosters to reach optimal speeds and altitudes before the glide vehicle is released. The vehicle then travels to its target via a shallow, atmospheric flight path at hypersonic speeds (above Mach 5). The boost-glide vehicle for the Dark Eagle and IRCPS is highly maneuverable, making it difficult to track and intercept.
Performance and Range
The Army expects the Dark Eagle, in its ground-launched form, to reach speeds of at least Mach 17 and have a range exceeding 1,725 miles (2,775 kilometers). Recent test warnings suggest a maximum range of 2,112 to 2,796 miles (3,400 to 4,500 kilometers). These hypersonic systems provide a combination of speed, maneuverability, and altitude, enabling them to defeat heavily defended targets quickly.
Operational Deployment and Future Challenges
The timeline for deploying Dark Eagle and IRCPS remains uncertain due to previous failed tests and the need for a fully representative end-to-end test. The Army blamed the failed launches on ground-based launcher issues rather than the missile itself. In June, a successful test of the common hypersonic missile was conducted, though it used a ground-based test stand rather than a direct surrogate for operational launch modes.
The initial Dark Eagle unit, Battery B, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery (Long Range Fires Battalion), part of the 1st Multi-Domain Task Force (MDTF), is based at Joint Base Lewis-McChord in Washington State. The Navy plans to deploy IRCPS on Zumwalt destroyers by 2025 and Block V Virginia class submarines by 2028, with the USS Zumwalt currently being refitted to accommodate these missiles.
Broader Context and Related Programs
U.S. hypersonic weapons programs have faced various uncertainties. The Air Force’s Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) program, initially expected to enter service in 2022, has been terminated. The Air Force is now focusing on developing an air-breathing Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), although this program also faces challenges.
Implications and Strategic Importance
The continued development and eventual deployment of hypersonic weapons are crucial for maintaining U.S. military superiority and deterrence capabilities. These systems provide rapid, survivable options for defeating time-critical, heavily defended targets, aligning with the National Defense Strategy. The successful fielding of these weapons will offer combatant commanders diverse capabilities to sustain and strengthen integrated deterrence.
In summary, while the recent hypersonic weapon test by the U.S. Army and Navy represents a significant step forward, challenges remain. The successful deployment of Dark Eagle and IRCPS depends on overcoming testing hurdles and achieving full operational capability. As the U.S. military continues to refine and advance its hypersonic technology, these weapons will play a pivotal role in future defense strategies and maintaining a competitive edge over potential adversaries.
APPENDIX 1 – Title: Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Risks in DOD’s Acquisition Processes: Embracing Leading Practices
The Department of Defense (DOD) is actively engaged in the development of hypersonic weapons, capitalizing on their unique capabilities such as high-speed maneuverability, which enables the U.S. to strike heavily defended targets from a considerable distance. As these efforts progress, it is imperative to address the cost and schedule risks associated with these ambitious projects. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has highlighted several leading practices that, if implemented, could mitigate these risks and streamline the development process.
Current State of Hypersonic Weapons Development
The GAO has identified six major hypersonic weapon efforts within the DOD, all of which prioritize rapid delivery of a “minimum viable product” (MVP) – a version with the essential capabilities needed for initial user engagement. However, four of these efforts are not incorporating direct user feedback, a crucial practice in product development that ensures the final product meets user needs and expectations. Additionally, four of the programs have yet to adopt digital engineering tools, which can create virtual representations of physical products to enhance the design process, reduce costs, and improve product usability.
Cost Estimation Challenges
Estimating the cost of hypersonic weapons remains a significant challenge due to DOD’s limited experience in this area. For instance, the Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike program relies heavily on expert opinions to compensate for the lack of historical data, which can introduce biases if not carefully managed. Adopting GAO’s leading practices for cost estimation, which include rigorous data analysis and bias mitigation, could provide more accurate and reliable cost projections, aiding decision-makers in resource allocation.
Risk Management and Reporting
The DOD has implemented many elements of an effective risk management framework, allowing for the assessment and monitoring of threats to program goals. However, comprehensive reporting to Congress on the progress and risks associated with fielding hypersonic systems is lacking. Such transparency is vital for providing a complete picture of the DOD’s efforts, promoting accountability, and ensuring sustained support and oversight.
Historical Context of Hypersonic Weapons
The concept of hypersonic weapons is not new. From the 1950s to the 1980s, the DOD explored various hypersonic flight concepts, though none led to operational capabilities. Between 2001 and 2014, several experimental hypersonic vehicles were developed and tested with mixed results, including the Hypersonic Technology Vehicle, the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon, and the X-43 test vehicle.
The need for a high-speed, long-range conventional strike weapon has been recognized since the early 2000s by U.S. Strategic Command. The urgency to develop hypersonic weapons increased in response to advancements in anti-access and area denial capabilities by potential adversaries like China and Russia. Hypersonic weapons are seen as a strategic counter to these developments.
Strategic Importance and Organizational Commitment
High-level DOD strategy documents, such as the 2022 National Defense Strategy, underscore the commitment to hypersonic technologies, highlighting them as critical for maintaining a strategic advantage. The establishment of a Principal Director for Hypersonics within the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering reflects this priority, ensuring coordinated efforts across various military departments.
Development Approaches and Technical Challenges
The development of hypersonic weapons can follow multiple approaches, each with unique technical challenges:
- Hypersonic Cruise Missiles: These use a rocket motor to achieve supersonic speeds before transitioning to a scramjet engine that combines supersonic airflow with fuel to produce thrust.
- Boost-Glide Systems: These involve a missile boosting a payload to the edge of space, after which a glide body separates and uses aerodynamic lift to extend its range and maneuver toward the target.
- Aeroballistic Missiles: These rocket-powered systems combine ballistic and aerodynamic flight characteristics, achieving hypersonic speeds and atmospheric maneuverability without adhering to a boost-glide trajectory.
The high-temperature environment experienced by hypersonic systems in flight presents complex physical and chemical challenges, necessitating specialized components for sustained maneuvering at high speeds. These technologies impact the system’s capability, cost, and manufacturability, and require a workforce with specialized expertise.
Specialized Testing and Infrastructure Needs
Developing hypersonic systems demands various specialized test facilities. Wind tunnels provide aerodynamic data, arc-heated facilities test material performance at high temperatures, and test tracks and arenas evaluate the lethality of weapon systems. Flight tests, which are crucial for validating technologies in realistic environments, are expensive and complex due to the extensive distances and sensor placements required.
Adaptive Acquisition Framework
In January 2020, the DOD introduced the Adaptive Acquisition Framework, emphasizing simplified acquisition policies, tailored approaches, and data-driven analysis. This framework includes six acquisition pathways, with the following two being most relevant:
- Major Capability Acquisition: This pathway guides major defense acquisition programs through phases like technology development, system development, and production, with major reviews known as milestone decisions.
- Middle Tier of Acquisition (MTA): This expedited pathway includes rapid prototyping and rapid fielding, aiming to quickly develop and demonstrate capabilities within five years and transition successful prototypes to operational use.
Acquisitions under the MTA pathway are generally exempt from the extensive processes required for major capability acquisitions, allowing for greater flexibility and speed.
Transitioning and Terminating Programs
The military departments can transition efforts from one acquisition pathway to another. For instance, successful prototypes from the rapid prototyping pathway can move to production and fielding under the rapid fielding pathway or another acquisition pathway. Conversely, programs that do not progress as expected can be terminated, ensuring resources are allocated efficiently.
The DOD’s pursuit of hypersonic weapons represents a significant strategic investment aimed at maintaining a technological edge over adversaries. However, the complexities and risks associated with developing these advanced systems necessitate the adoption of leading practices in product development, cost estimation, risk management, and acquisition processes. By integrating user feedback, utilizing digital engineering tools, and adhering to GAO’s leading practices, the DOD can reduce costs, accelerate development, and ensure the successful deployment of hypersonic weapons. Comprehensive and transparent reporting to Congress will further enhance accountability and support for these critical defense initiatives.
