Latest news with #StrategicSystemsPrograms
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Navy ramps up unmanned systems weapons tests, calls for industry push
The Navy this month undertook two groundbreaking weapons systems tests, which were followed by an announcement for a planned Future Unmanned Surface Vessel Industry Day in June to 'to accelerate the development and procurement of future USVs.' The Navy's Strategic Systems Programs on May 2 conducted the first sea-based cold-gas launch approach of its Conventional Prompt Strike, or CPS, hypersonic missile. Unlike in hot launch methods, in which the projectile motor ignites in the launch silo before flying towards its target, the cold-gas technique sees the missile launch first before the first stage of ignition. This method, according to the Navy, will become the standard for launching hypersonic missiles from ships at sea. '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,' said Vice Adm. Johnny Wolfe, director of Strategic Systems Programs. The test of the CPS missile was followed by the first-ever launch of a Solid Fuel Integral Rocket Ramjet (SFIRR) from an unmanned aerial vehicle operated by the U.S. Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division. The unmanned vehicle launch test also tested live firing control on a BQM-34 target vehicle, demonstrating maneuverability, control and long-range accuracy. 'This successful integration validates key aspects of our design and moves us closer to delivering an advanced propulsion system that will provide warfighters with greater range and speed,' said Abbey Horning, product director of NAWCWD's Advanced Concepts, Prototyping and Experimentation office, in a release. 'We're not just revisiting an old idea; we're refining and modernizing it to fit today's mission,' With the Navy seeking to strengthen its existing fleet with the inclusion of unmanned vessels, it is scheduled to host an industry day in Washington on June 17 for the Future Unmanned Surface Vessel Program. The craft showcased will be 'an open ocean, 25+ knot, high endurance, non-exquisite, autonomous vessel,' which will also be 'built to commercial standards,' according to a special notice.
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Navy seeks to fast track nuclear weapons systems
The U.S. Navy's Strategic Systems Program is working to fast track the improvement and development of three critical weapons systems, Vice Admiral Johnny Wolfe told members of the House Armed Services Committee. These include the Trident II D5 Strategic Weapons System, hypersonic missiles and the sea-launched nuclear cruise missile in development, known as the SLCM-N. 'The Navy's strategic deterrent stands at a critical juncture,' said Wolfe, who directs the program responsible for the country's sea-based nuclear weapons. 'To maintain our advantage in the face of evolving threats, we must prioritize the modernization of our nuclear infrastructure and industrial base.' The SLCM-N is expected to be ready to deliver in 2035. 'It brings another option to our decision makers to deter our adversaries. It is an underlay for our triad and certainly it brings a regional weapon and a deterrent that we just don't have today,' Wolfe said of the SLCM-N. He also noted that based on the success of the Trident program, his command has also been tasked with rapidly developing and producing the Navy's first hypersonic weapons system, Conditional Prompt Strike, along with the Army's long-range hypersonic weapons system. Of the Trident weapons system, Wolfe said: 'The U.S. nuclear triad's most survivable leg is provided by this sea-based strategic deterrent.' He noted that the ballistic missile submarine force deploys a significant amount of U.S. nuclear warheads. Wolfe stressed that his command, Strategic Systems Programs, required the expertise of its already lean workforce, which he said needs to grow. 'Our modernization needs cannot succeed without investing in research and development, the critical skills for our workforce, and the facilities needed to produce, sustain and certify our nuclear systems,' Wolfe said. He described the task faced by Strategic Systems Programs in overseeing the development and readiness of nuclear missile systems as critical to U.S. national security. 'It is the foundation of the national defense strategy and is a top priority of the Department of Defense,' Wolfe said.
Yahoo
25-04-2025
- Science
- Yahoo
Secretive ‘Dark Eagle' hypersonic missile launches from Cape Canaveral
After a successful test from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station last December, the Army on Thursday officially named its long-range hypersonic weapon 'Dark Eagle.' The system designed to 'disintegrate adversary capabilities' was at it again Friday morning. Images posted to social media showed the missile launch from Canaveral's Space Launch Complex 46 while the Eastern Range had posted keep-out notices and warnings for maritime and airspace. 'A combined team of government, academic and industry partners conducted a test on behalf of the Department of Defense from a test site at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station,' according to a statement from the Office of the Secretary of Defense. 'We are currently evaluating the results of the test.' The action on the Space Coast comes a day after the Army officially dubbed the defense system with its new moniker. 'Part of the name pays tribute to the eagle — a master hunter known for its speed, stealth and agility — due to the LRHW's combination of velocity, accuracy, maneuverability, survivability and versatility,' reads a press release from the DOD. 'In addition, the bald eagle — our national bird — represents independence, strength and freedom.' The release further explained the 'dark' portion of the name refers to the hypersonic weapon's ability to 'disintegrate adversary capabilities, including anti-access/area-denial systems, communications capacity, long-range fires and other high-payoff/time-critical targets.' The December test was a combined effort of the Army's Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office and the Navy's Strategic Systems Programs, an effort for the two branches to use the same weapon system and reduce testing timelines and cost. 'Hypersonic weapons will complicate adversaries' decision calculus, strengthening deterrence,' said Patrick Mason, senior official performing the duties of the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisition, Logistics and Technology. 'Their speed, accuracy and versatility are befitting its new popular name, Dark Eagle.' SLC 46 had most recently hosted a pair of Astra Space rocket launches in 2022 before its use of late for DOD testing. The launch apparatus uses a battery operations center and transporter erector launcher sending the missile streaking east over the Atlantic. The December test was the system's first 'live-fire event,' DOD stated. The system is meant to be deployed on land or sea. Hypersonic missiles travel at more than five times the speed of sound offering a much more difficult weapon to counter after launch.
