The US military successfully launched a rocket carrying tests for developing hypersonic weapons at the Wallops Flight Test Facility in Virginia on Wednesday, as reported first by CNN.
According to the Navy, the rocket carried 11 experiments to test and gather information for hypersonic weapons development to support the joint Army-Navy initiative.
Russia's MiG-31 supersonic interceptor jets carrying hypersonic Kinzhal (Dagger) missiles fly over Red Square during the Victory Day military parade in Moscow on May 9, 2018. - Russia marks the 73rd anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany in World War Two.
Land and Sea Hypersonic Weapons
This test was the second one conducted as part of a program to enhance land- and sea-based hypersonic capabilities. The initial examination was carried out in October 2021.
For this second test, a sounding rocket was deployed from the launchpad and used to conduct various experiments to gather data and learn more about the high-tech electronics and heat-resistant materials found in hypersonic missile components.
According to the Navy, another rocket will be launched on Thursday, October 27, and it will conduct an additional 13 experiments to assist in developing hypersonic weaponry.
The Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike hypersonic system and the Army's Long Range Hypersonic Weapon will both benefit from the data gathered from these test launches.
The Common Hypersonic Glide Body, a projectile mounted atop a booster rocket and coasting toward its target at speeds greater than Mach 5, will be used by both of the programs.
It is worth noting that hypersonic missiles travel at speeds greater than Mach 5, or over 4,000 miles per hour, making it challenging to identify and quickly prevent them. As per CNN, the missiles can also change their height and maneuver, enabling them to avoid missile defense systems.
Read also: HACM: US Air Force Chooses Raytheon Technologies to Develop Air-Breathing Hypersonic Missile
Primary Goal
The Pentagon decided to make the development of hypersonic weapons one of its primary goals to fulfill after China successfully conducted hypersonic launches last year and Russia began using hypersonic missiles in its war against Ukraine.
Earlier this month, the US also took part in the nuclear drills conducted by NATO members in Northwest Europe despite escalating tensions in Ukraine.
The drills involved 60 aircraft, including fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, and refueling planes. It was also joined by 14 of NATO's 30 member countries.
The majority of the war simulations took place at least 1,000 kilometers (625 miles) away from Russia's borders. Additionally, American long-range B-52 bombers reportedly participated in the exercises, known as Steadfast Noon, which will last through October 30.
NATO as an organization does not hold any weapons. The US, France, and the UK are still firmly in charge of the alliance's nuclear arsenal.
The drills were already planned long before Putin decided to send Russian troops into Ukraine in February. NATO anticipates that Russia would exercise its nuclear capabilities this month since it typically conducts its own annual operations around the same time.
Related Article: US Military Will Use 'High-Altitude Hot Air Balloons' to Prevent Hypersonic Missiles Against China and Russia
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Written by Joaquin Victor Tacla
