The U.S. Army’s Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office, or RCCTO, and the Navy Strategic Systems Programs, or SSP, recently conducted a test to evaluate a conventional hypersonic missile.
The Department of Defense said Thursday the test, held at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida, was the second end-to-end flight for the All Up Round, or AUR, missile system. It was also the first live-fire test for the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon system utilizing a Battery Operations Center and Transporter Erector Launcher.
RCCTO and SSP Hypersonic Missile Collaboration
The RCCTO and SSP are working together to accelerate the fielding of the common hypersonic AUR. The collaboration is intended to enhance their capabilities against emerging threats and maintain an advantage on the battlefield. The test results will be used to assess whether the AUR meets joint warfighting needs and is ready for Army Operational Deployment and Navy sea-based fielding.
Secretary of the Army Christine Wormuth, a two-time Wash100 Award winner, stated, “This test builds on several flight tests in which the Common Hypersonic Glide Body achieved hypersonic speed at target distances and demonstrates that we can put this capability in the hands of the warfighter.”
Carlos Del Toro, secretary of the Navy and also a two-time recipient of the Wash100 Award, added, “This test marks an important milestone in the development of one of our most advanced weapons systems. As we approach the first delivery of this capability to our Army partners, we will continue to press forward to integrate conventional prompt strike into our Navy surface and subsurface ships to help ensure we remain the world’s preeminent fighting force.”