U.S. Navy tests Blackbeard hypersonic missile on Super Hornet

The U.S. Navy has released footage showing the Castelion Blackbeard hypersonic missile integrated with an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet during a flight test. This marks a significant step in testing the air-launched version of the weapon, which is being developed under the Navy’s Multi-Mission Affordable Capacity Effector (MACE) program.

Developed by the defense startup Castelion, the Blackbeard is designed as a low-cost, mass-producible long-range strike missile capable of engaging both land and maritime targets. While exact performance specifications remain undisclosed, the missile is intended to travel at hypersonic speeds—exceeding Mach 5—and could potentially strike targets at ranges of approximately 500 miles (800 kilometers).

The Navy aims for early operational capability by 2027 or 2028 and intends to acquire thousands of these missiles to bolster carrier-based strike capabilities. The weapon is intended to allow aircraft to engage targets from a distance, reducing exposure to enemy air defenses.