The US Army has again failed to launch the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile with a range of 2,775 km, which can reach speeds of over 6,000 km/h

In early 2023, the US Army deployed two hypersonic weapon launchers at Cape Canaveral in Florida. A few months later, the service attempted to launch a Dark Eagle missile, but failed.

Here's What We Know

The US Army cancelled the planned tests of hypersonic weapons. Thus, the first launch of the Dark Eagle missile is postponed to a later date. The project is called Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRWH). The service had planned to take the hypersonic weapon into service in late 2023. It is not yet clear whether the delay will affect the set schedule.

The first test launch of the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile was scheduled for September 6, 2023. The test was postponed following pre-launch inspections announced by the US Secretary of Defence's office.

Despite the failed launch, the Pentagon sees the positive in it. In particular, the department's specialists were able to collect data on the operation of ground equipment and software. The information obtained will contribute to further progress in the deployment of LRHW.

In fact, the Pentagon's statement is identical to the one made in March. Back then, the U.S. Army wanted to launch a hypersonic missile for the first time, but also failed. Earlier this year, the military moved LRHW from Washington to Cape Canaveral. Later, at a congressional hearing, US Navy Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe said that an attempt to launch Dark Eagle failed to activate the battery.

The US Army is developing hypersonic weapons in conjunction with the US Navy. The land- and ship-based missiles use a single Common-Hysonic Glide Body (C-HGB) warhead. Interestingly, official US Army documents state that the Dark Eagle has a speed of Mach 4.9 (6050 km/h), not Mach 5 (6174 km/h).

The US Army's hypersonic missile has a launch range of 2,775 kilometres. One battery includes four launchers on Oshkosh HEMTT A4 M983A4 Oshkosh HEMTT A4 M983A4 chassis, like Patriot air defence systems. LRHW systems can be relocated by rail and C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.

Source: Florida Today