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

The US Navy has released the first flight test footage of the Blackbeard hypersonic missile integrated with the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet. Developed by defense startup Castelion, the Blackbeard is designed as a low-cost, long-range strike weapon capable of targeting both naval and land-based objectives.

The missile utilizes a booster stage followed by what appears to be a hypersonic glide vehicle. The Navy aims to have the system in limited operational service by 2028. The project is part of the Multi-mission Affordable Capacity Effector (MACE) program, which focuses on producing high-speed weapons in large quantities to increase the firepower of carrier air wings.

Castelion has secured significant contracts to accelerate development and production. A recent Pentagon agreement valued at approximately $43.65 million covers the manufacturing, assembly, and testing of the first production lot of 444 missiles. The Navy has previously outlined plans to procure up to 12,000 Blackbeard missiles over a five-year period.