World · India Bureau
US Navy Successfully Tests Blackbeard Hypersonic Missile System
The United States Navy has released footage of the first successful flight test of its Blackbeard hypersonic missile, demonstrating the weapon's capability to travel over 800 kilometers in approximately seven minutes. The advanced system is expected to be operationally deployed by 2028.
LSN India ·
The US Navy conducted the inaugural flight test of the Blackbeard hypersonic missile, with the service releasing video evidence of the successful demonstration. The missile was mounted on an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jet during the test, showcasing the platform's compatibility with existing naval aircraft.
The Blackbeard achieved velocities exceeding 6,174 kilometers per hour during the test phase, enabling it to cover a range of approximately 800 kilometers in roughly seven minutes of flight time. Such speeds place the weapon well within the hypersonic category, defined by velocities greater than Mach 5.
According to program specifications, each missile carries a unit cost of approximately 28.8 crore rupees (US$3.45 million). The weapon system represents a significant advancement in naval strike capabilities, with its speed and range providing tactical advantages in contested maritime environments.
The Navy has established 2028 as the target date for operational deployment of the Blackbeard system. The timeline allows for continued testing, refinement, and integration with the fleet's existing infrastructure. The development of hypersonic capabilities aligns with broader US military modernization efforts aimed at maintaining technological superiority in high-intensity conflict scenarios.