US launches secretive ‘Dark Eagle’ hypersonic missile
The test comes a day after the weapon received its official name, in reference to the national bird of America
After a successful test from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station last December, the US Army on Thursday officially named its long-range hypersonic weapon “Dark Eagle”. The system, designed to “disintegrate adversary capabilities”, launched again on 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 Defence from a test site at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station,” the Office of the Secretary of Defence said in a statement.
“We are currently evaluating the results of the test.”
The action on Florida’s Space Coast comes a day after the US Army officially gave the defence system its new moniker.
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“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, manoeuvrability, survivability and versatility,” read a press release from the Defence Department.