The U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Programs has advanced its sea-based hypersonic capabilities with a successful test of a conventional hypersonic missile from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida. This marks the first launch using the Navy's cold-gas launch approach for the Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) capability, which will be implemented on Navy sea-based platforms.
"The speed, range, and survivability of hypersonic weapons are key to integrated deterrence for America," said Secretary of the Navy John Phelan. "When fielded, Conventional Prompt Strike will deliver unmatched capabilities to our warfighters."
The cold-gas launch method was tested by the U.S. Navy Strategic Systems Programs as part of its efforts to develop and field this offensive hypersonic capability in collaboration with the U.S. Army. The recent test is part of an ongoing flight testing program for the common All Up Round (AUR), also developed in partnership with the Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office.
Vice Adm. Johnny R. Wolfe Jr., Director of Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, stated, "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. This technical achievement brings SSP one step closer to fulfilling our role of providing a safe and reliable hypersonic capability to our Navy."
Preparations for deploying this technology aboard USS ZUMWALT are underway as part of CPS Program's engineering and test efforts. An extensive test campaign was conducted at an In-Air Launch test facility to validate this approach before completing this flight test.
The rapid development and demonstration of these systems enhance U.S.'s strategic deterrence capabilities against potential competitors by significantly improving range, accuracy, lethality, and survivability over existing conventional strike capabilities.
