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Hypersonics·Blackbeard

Navy Tests Blackbeard Hypersonic Missile

5 sources · first reported 19d ago

via The War Zone

The US Navy has begun testing the Blackbeard low-cost hypersonic missile on the F/A-18 Super Hornet, aiming for limited operational capability within two years. The Navy has awarded nearly $90 million to accelerate the program. The Blackbeard missile is designed to be a low-cost, high-speed strike weapon.

Why it matters

The development of hypersonic missiles like Blackbeard is a key aspect of the US military's modernization efforts, providing a potential game-changer in future conflicts. The low-cost design of the Blackbeard missile could make it an attractive option for the military.

HypersonicsNavyDoDAcquisition
Independent Media 4Think-tank/Academia 1

Development timeline

How this story unfolded across sources, oldest first.

  1. Sandboxx ·
    Navy reveals its new, low-cost hypersonic missile. And the Army is also interested.
  2. Interesting Engineering ·
    Blackbeard Mach 5 hypersonic missile wins $90M US Navy deal, targets $500K per round
  3. TWZ ·
    Blackbeard Low-Cost Hypersonic Missile Testing On The F/A-18 Super Hornet Has Begun
  4. The War Zone · Primary
    Blackbeard Low-Cost Hypersonic Missile Testing On The F/A-18 Super Hornet Has Begun
  5. RealClearDefense ·
    U.S. Navy Accelerates Blackbeard Hypersonic Missile