The U.S. Army recently stirred interest by briefly publishing official images of its Dark Eagle Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW), which are significant as the system nears operational deployment. However, the images were quickly removed from the Army’s channels, leaving many puzzled and prompting online observers to capture and share them before their disappearance. Army officials have yet to clarify the reasons behind the removal of the visuals.
The released images reportedly highlighted various launcher components and system configurations associated with deployment preparations. Among the visuals that disappeared were also those depicting roll-on/roll-off exercises with both Dark Eagle and Typhon launchers, which are crucial for assessing operational readiness.
The development of the Dark Eagle system began in 2018, spearheaded by Lockheed Martin as part of a broader strategy to provide the U.S. Army with the first standalone operational hypersonic missile system. This innovative Long Range Hypersonic Weapon integrates a transporter erector launcher capable of carrying two missiles, mounted on an Oshkosh M870 Heavy Equipment Trailer, and towed by an 8×8 Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Truck, also manufactured by Oshkosh.
Each Dark Eagle battery is designed for robust operational capacity, consisting of four launcher sets—allowing for a total of eight missiles to be launched in a single volley—alongside an operations center and vehicles for reloading. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, which follow set trajectories, the Dark Eagle utilizes boost-glide vehicles that can alter their course mid-flight, enhancing the weapon’s ability to evade and neutralize enemy air and missile defenses.
This mobile hypersonic system has the capability to strike targets located up to 2,175 miles (3,500 kilometers) away at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (approximately 6,174 kilometers or 3,836 miles per hour), making it a significant advancement in modern warfare capabilities. The recent unveiling, albeit brief, highlights strides made by the U.S. Army in leveraging advanced technology for military applications.
