US Navy tests Castelion Blackbeard hypersonic missile on F/A-18 Super Hornets

The US Navy has advanced the testing and production of the Blackbeard, a new hypersonic strike missile developed by the startup Castelion. The program aims to provide a cost-effective, mass-producible weapon capable of exceeding speeds of Mach 5 and striking targets at long ranges.

Testing is currently underway using F/A-18E/F Super Hornet fighter jets. The Blackbeard is designed to be versatile, with capabilities for both air-launch and ground-launch configurations, including compatibility with the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS).

Through a Small Business Innovation Research Phase III contract valued at up to $200 million, the Navy intends to bolster its industrial base and increase magazine depth for carrier strike groups. The project aims to reach early operational capability by 2027, with a production goal of 50 missiles by August 2028.