Hypersonic testing 'vital' as US pushes for 2023 missile capability
Two sounding rockets with experimental payloads will inform US Army and US Navy hypersonic missile programmes. (Photo: NASA)
The launch of two test rockets with experimental payloads forms a 'vital step' in the development of a common glide vehicle and booster for US Navy and US Army hypersonic missile programmes.
On 26 October USN Strategic Systems Programs (SSP) and the Army Hypersonic Project Office (AHPO) conducted a second successful High Operational Tempo for Hypersonics flight launch. This was carried out by Sandia National Laboratories from NASA's Wallops Flight Facility in Virginia.
The test data will further development of the USN's Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) and the army Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) programmes. The navy stated that CPS and AHPO are both on track to support the first fielding of a hypersonic capability by the army in FY2023.
A sounding rocket was launched containing hypersonic experiments from partners including CPS, the Missile Defense Agency, AHPO, the Joint Hypersonic Transition Office, SNL, Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory, Mitre, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and several defence contractors.
A second sounding rocket launch was due to follow. The payloads are intended to provide data on the performance of materials and systems in a realistic hypersonic environment.
The USN described the test as a 'vital step in the development of a Navy-designed common hypersonic missile'. Its Common Hypersonic Glide Body and booster will be used for both CPS and AGPO applications.
One potential launch platform for the navy's CPS could be the Zumwalt-class destroyer, with a contract awarded earlier this year to Bath Iron Works to integrate vertical launch modules.
More from Defence Notes
-
![Rheinmetall sales up by almost a quarter on wave of German spending]()
Rheinmetall sales up by almost a quarter on wave of German spending
Germany’s Rheinmetall released its 1H 2025 results on 7 August, continuing the strong growth of recent years. A particular highlight of the result’s presentation was the Skyranger air defence system for which the company is predicting sales of about US$8.2 billion from the German Government before the end of the year.
-
![Defence companies continue to ride procurement wave]()
Defence companies continue to ride procurement wave
Vehicle and technology companies are reporting substantial growth compared to the first half of 2024. Italy’s Fincantieri saw revenues jump 24% for the first half of the year compared to 2024 and Thales up 6.8% for the same period. General Dynamics reported second quarter revenue growth of 8.9% for the second quarter compared to last year and MilDef reported organic order intake growth of 58%.
-
![Singapore plots a way forward with new technology and formation reform]()
Singapore plots a way forward with new technology and formation reform
Singapore spends about 3.5% of GDP on defence and the section’s budget sits on high on the proportion of national spending. The country is investing in uncrewed technology, medium- and long-range fires and new submarines and ships with the hunt also on for new maritime patrol aircraft.
-
![World Defense Show promises bigger and better event for 2026]()
World Defense Show promises bigger and better event for 2026
At this year's IDEF in Istanbul, Shephard spoke to World Defense Show (WDS) CEO Andrew Pearcey about his event's strategic role in Saudi Arabia, its themes and new features for 2026 and how it has grown since its launch in 2022.
