The US Army will receive a new, high-precision hypersonic missile created by former SpaceX employees.

The US Army, in collaboration with startup Castelion , is developing a new generation of hypersonic missiles that can be launched using the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS). Called the Blackbeard GL , the new weapon is designed to deliver medium-range hypersonic precision strike capability, counter moving targets, offer high survivability, greater flexibility against emerging threats, and even be capable of neutralizing and destroying with precision fire .

In terms of range, the Blackbeard GL can hit targets at just under 800 kilometers, considering its minimum speed is Mach 5 —just over 6,000 kilometers per hour.

This missile also employs seeker-based guidance to maneuver to hit hidden targets in any environment , given its modular architecture. This allows for backward compatibility with current launchers, such as HIMARS, and compatibility with future versions of systems.

On the other hand, the incorporation of Blackbeard GL into the HIMARS system improves the ability to attack at medium range , taking into account that this missile maintains its advantages of rapid deployment and air transport.

The US Army strengthens its precision weapons

The development of this missile demonstrates the U.S. Army's priority on enhancing the precision, survivability, and flexibility of its weapons.

The War Zone reports that the development of the Blackbeard GL missile reflects the U.S. Army's growing interest in developing precision munitions that are affordable and easy to produce , using non-traditional contractors. Furthermore, this strategy seeks to ensure sufficient weapons stockpiles at a sustainable cost, especially in the event of a prolonged or large-scale conflict. However, the primary objective of this program is to ensure a robust and resilient supply chain in scenarios of high military demand .

Regarding its commissioning, the aforementioned newspaper reveals that the Blackbeard GL's schedule includes a fixed-fin flight test in 2026, followed by prototype production. The live-fire demonstration is scheduled for 2027, and if the deadlines are met, operational deliveries will begin in 2028 .

Who is behind it?

The startup Castelion was founded in 2022 by three former SpaceX employees . These employees left Elon Musk's aerospace company to form their own company, focused on developing high-speed, low-cost, and easy-to-produce attack weapons.

Sign up for our newsletter and get the latest technology news straight to your inbox.