U.S. Military Conducts First Live-Fire Test of Dark Eagle Hypersonic Missile at Cape Canaveral

Dec 13, 2024, 01:58 AM

The U.S. military successfully conducted a test launch of the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon, known as 'Dark Eagle,' from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on December 12, 2024. This test marked the first live-fire event for the Dark Eagle system using its trailer-based launcher, overcoming previous setbacks attributed to unspecified issues with the launcher. The missile, developed by Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman, can exceed speeds of 3,800 mph, or Mach 5, and has a range of 1,725 miles. It is part of a joint development effort with the U.S. Navy, which plans to integrate similar technology into its Zumwalt-class stealth destroyers and future Virginia-class submarines. The test involved a common All Up Round (AUR) missile, demonstrating the system's readiness for deployment. The Army has been working to field the Dark Eagle system, with plans to equip the first unit in 2025. The missile's hypersonic speed and maneuverability make it a formidable weapon capable of evasive maneuvers to overcome defenses.