The United States Army has announced “Dark Eagle” as the official name for theLong Range Hypersonic Weapon (Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon) following flight testing end-to-end completed successfully last December.
Part of the name pays homage to the eagle - an apex predator known for its speed, stealth and agility - in reference to the LRHW's combination of speed, precision, maneuverability, survivability and versatility. Additionally, the bald eagle - the national bird - represents independence, strength and freedom.
The word “dark” embodies the LRHW's ability to disintegrate adversary capabilities, including anti-access/area-denial systems (A2/AD), communications capabilities, long-range fire systems and other high-value, time-critical targets.
The name Dark Eagle calls to mind the power and determination of our country and its military, representing the spirit and lethality of the Army-Navy joint hypersonic programs.
"Hypersonic weapons will complicate adversaries' decision calculus, strengthening deterrence" said Patrick Mason, senior official serving as assistant secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. "Their speed, accuracy and versatility make the new popular name, Dark Eagle, appropriate.".
L'US Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office el 'US Navy Strategic Systems Programs have collaborated to rapidly field land and naval variants of a hypersonic weapon system that address critical joint operational needs. The use of a common hypersonic missile and joint testing opportunities enables the Armed Forces to pursue a more aggressive delivery timing and achieve cost savings.
Photo: US Army
