The US Navy has conducted an end-to-end flight test of the country’s first sea-based hypersonic missile, the Conventional Prompt Strike.
Conducted at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, the test utilized the cold-gas launch approach for the first time.
The hot launch method involves the missile igniting inside the launch cell.
“The cold-gas approach allows the Navy to eject the missile from the platform and achieve a safe distance above the ship prior to first stage ignition,” Director at Navy Strategic Systems Programs Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe Jr explained.
“This technical achievement brings SSP (Strategic Systems Programs) one step closer to fulfilling our role of providing a safe and reliable hypersonic capability to our Navy.”
Information gathered from the test will help the missile’s continued development and production while the cold launch approach will inform the missile’s eventual sea-based platform fielding.
The missile is being installed on the navy’s USS Zumwalt destroyer for its first fielding in the next few years.
Conventional Prompt Strike
The non-nuclear hypersonic weapon uses the same munition as the US Army’s Long Range Hypersonic Weapon program, called the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB).
The CHGB puts the glide payload at the desired altitude and speed.
Afterward, the payload releases itself from the booster and plunges toward the target at a speed of over Mach 5 (6,174 kilometers/3,836 miles).
The weapon is said to have a range of around 2,700 kilometers (1,678 miles).
“The speed, range, and survivability of hypersonic weapons are key to integrated deterrence for America,” Secretary of the Navy John Phelan said.
“When fielded, Conventional Prompt Strike will deliver unmatched capabilities to our warfighters.”
