Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 3 hrs ago
Navy tests Blackbeard hypersonic missile integration with Super Hornet
The US Navy is preparing Blackbeard missiles for its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighters.
Blackbeard is made by California-based defense startup Castelion and is designed to fly faster than Mach 5 and change direction in the atmosphere.
The Navy has tested how a Super Hornet handles carrying two missiles, but it did not release them during the flight.
The Navy ultimately wants each fighter to carry four Blackbeard missiles, increasing the weapons available to launch from one aircraft.
The missile’s speed and ability to change direction could make it harder for air defenses to intercept.
The Navy has bought pre-production missiles and placed a production order, while a broader framework calls for at least 500 missiles a year after testing concludes.
Further developmental flights are planned, but the Navy has not announced a date for the first live launch from a Super Hornet.
The U.S. Navy is testing integration of Castelion’s Blackbeard hypersonic missile with its F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
A Super Hornet has flown carrying two missiles, but did not release them.
The Navy aims for each fighter to carry four Blackbeard missiles.
Further developmental flights are planned before live-fire evaluations, and the Navy has not announced a date for the first launch from a Super Hornet.
The Navy has ordered pre-production missiles and signed a production agreement covering 444 missiles, according to USNI News.
- Who
- The U.S. Navy and defense startup Castelion.
- What
- The Navy is testing integration of Castelion’s Blackbeard hypersonic missile with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet.
- When
- The Navy examined the weapon during a visit on October 28. The year is not stated.
- Where
- Naval Air Station Patuxent River in Maryland.
- Why
- The testing is intended to advance the missile toward operational service and prepare it for live-fire evaluations.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
A Navy presentation showed two Blackbeard test articles mounted beneath a Super Hornet’s wings.
A Super Hornet flew from Patuxent River carrying two missiles, without releasing them.
The Navy released footage documenting the flight.
Chief of Naval Operations Adm. Daryl Caudle examined Blackbeard during a visit to Naval Air Station Patuxent River.
- Missile
- Blackbeard, developed by Castelion
- Speed category
- Hypersonic, defined in the article as exceeding Mach 5
- First Super Hornet developmental flight
- September 18, carrying two missiles
- Navy agreement with Castelion
- $105 million, awarded in April
- Pre-production order
- 50 missiles for $23.4 million, purchased in June
- Production agreement
- Up to $200 million; USNI News reported it covers 444 missiles