// UNMANNED SYSTEMS AND NEXT-GEN WARFARE TERM
Dark Eagle
Dark Eagle is the nickname for the U.S. Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), a new type of missile designed to fly at speeds greater than Mach 5, making it extremely difficult to detect and intercept.
TECHNICAL DEFINITION
Dark Eagle refers to the US Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) system, a ground-launched, conventionally-armed hypersonic missile utilizing the Common-Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) to deliver precision strike capabilities against high-value, time-sensitive targets from extended ranges.
BACKGROUND
The Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), also known as the Dark Eagle, is an intermediate-range surface-to-surface boost-glide hypersonic weapon being developed for use by the United States Army. The United States Navy intends to procure a ship/submarine-launched variant of the missile as part of the service's Intermediate-Range Conventional Prompt Strike (IRCPS) program. The weapon consists of a large two-stage rocket booster that carries the unpowered Common-Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) in a nose cone. Once the booster reaches significant altitude and speed, it releases the C-HGB, which glides at hypersonic speeds as it descends towards its target. Dynetics will build the hypersonic glide vehicle, while Lockheed Martin will build the booster as well as assemble the missile and launch equipment.
READ MORE ON WIKIPEDIASYNONYMS & ALIASES
- LRHW
- Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon
- C-HGB (Common-Hypersonic Glide Body)
- Army Hypersonic Weapon
USAGE NOTE
In military and defense contexts, 'Dark Eagle' is primarily used to denote the U.S. Army's specific hypersonic missile program, highlighting its role in strategic deterrence and rapid global strike capabilities.
DEVELOPERS
Organizations developing technology related to Dark Eagle.
Prime contractor for the U.S. Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), commonly known as 'Dark Eagle', responsible for missile assembly, integration, and flight testing.
Developer of the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB), a critical component for both the Army's Dark Eagle and the Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike programs.
Provides the boost motor technology for the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), contributing significantly to the system's propulsion.
The primary service branch responsible for the development, acquisition, integration, and eventual deployment of the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) 'Dark Eagle' system.
Jointly developing the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB) with the Army, which is a core component of the 'Dark Eagle' system, and integral to its own Conventional Prompt Strike program.