Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon Contract Awarded
The Long Range Hypersonic Weapon is a fairly new system that entered service only last year. Its components have been extensively tested, the deployment of the system is slow but steady.
The LRHW, also known as Dark Eagle, was first deployed in March 2023 with the 1st Multi Domain Task Force long-range fires battalion, 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. The 1st MDTF in the US Army Pacific Command has become the unit of choice for the LRHW and other long-range missile systems deployment. The contract award announcement for the procurement states:
“Lockheed Martin Space, Huntsville, Alabama, was awarded a $756,807,861 modification (PZ0014) to contract W31P4Q-23-C-0008 for Long Range Hypersonic Weapon ground support equipment. Work will be performed in Huntsville, Alabama, with an estimated completion date of Feb. 28, 2028. Fiscal 2023 missile procurement, Army funds in the amount of $275,270,424 were obligated at the time of the award. Army Contracting Command, Redstone Arsenal, Alabama, is the contracting activity.”
On the 17 May, Lockheed Martin was awarded the contract for further manufacture of the LRHW for over $750,000,000 with production taking place in the Huntsville plant in Alabama. Lockheed Martin is responsible for the manufacture of boosters as well as assembling the missile and launch equipment. This decision comes shortly after the planned deployment of Dark Eagle battery within the 1st MDTF which was scheduled for the Fall of 2023, with further procurement a priority.
The missile has a reported range of more than 1,700 miles. Dark Eagle uses the Common Hypersonic Glide Body which is capable of reaching velocities greater than Mach 5 while also being maneuverable.
The extended and expanded long range precision fires capability the Dark Eagle provides is essential for the US’ long-range missile units. The ability to break through A2/AD protection and strike deep behind enemy lines will be indispensable.