Pentagon achieves critical breakthrough with flawless missile test
After a series of trials with varying success, the Pentagon has announced an important victory. The latest test of the C-HGB missile proceeded without problems. The weapon tested by the Americans gives them the capability for a quick strike at a distance of nearly 1,864 miles.
6:19 AM EDT, June 30, 2024
The U.S. Department of Defense announced the success of the latest C-HGB missile test in an official statement. The new weapon trial was conducted in the Pacific, and the missile was launched from the Pacific Missile Range Facility (PMRF) base.
This American research facility offers unique capabilities due to its specific location. PMRF is the only facility in the world where submarine and surface ships, ballistic missiles, aircraft, and spacecraft can simultaneously operate and be tracked. This is facilitated by a controlled airspace area of more than 39,000 square miles.
The Department of Defense, in a terse comment, did not share details about the test. "Through our collective efforts, we are developing new equipment and adopting new defense concepts that will enable the U.S. Army to maintain an edge over all potential adversaries," said Gen. Robert Rasch Jr., director of the RCCTO (Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office).
Speaking of collective efforts, Gen. Rasch likely referred to the collaboration between the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Army to develop new weapons. The former is responsible for the design, while the latter handles the production of the new weapon.
Dark Eagle LRHW and CPS hypersonic systems
The C-HGB missile is part of a more extensive system. It is a futuristic hypersonic missile featuring an unpowered, gliding C-HGB effector (Common-Hypersonic Glide Body) and a two-stage solid propellant rocket motor (SRM).
This weapon is being developed to meet the needs of the U.S. Army and Navy, which are conducting two developmental programs: Dark Eagle LRHW and CPS (Conventional Prompt Strike).
In the first case, the Army plans to place the missiles in containerized, dual launchers towed by tractors. In the second, the Navy intends to install hypersonic missile launchers on futuristic Zumwalt-class destroyers.
The missiles are expected to have a diameter of 34.6 inches and a mass of 16,300 pounds, offering a range of 1,782 miles. During the terminal phase of an attack, the descending C-HGB effector is expected to accelerate to Mach 17.
