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**U.S. Army and Navy Conduct Second Live-Fire Test of Hypersonic Missile, Debut Launch Using Transporter-Erector System**
In a significant step forward for the United States' hypersonic weapons program, the U.S. Army and Navy successfully conducted their second live-fire test of a hypersonic missile, marking a critical milestone in the development of next-generation weaponry. This test, which also featured the debut launch using a Transporter-Erector System (TES), underscores the Department of Defense's commitment to advancing hypersonic capabilities to maintain a strategic edge in an increasingly competitive global security environment.
### Hypersonic Weapons: A Game-Changer in Modern Warfare
Hypersonic missiles, capable of traveling at speeds exceeding Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound), represent a transformative leap in military technology. These weapons combine unparalleled speed, maneuverability, and precision, making them exceptionally difficult to detect and intercept. Unlike traditional ballistic missiles, which follow a predictable trajectory, hypersonic missiles can maneuver mid-flight, complicating enemy defense systems.
The U.S. has prioritized the development of hypersonic weapons as part of its National Defense Strategy, aiming to counter similar advancements by near-peer competitors such as China and Russia. Both nations have made significant progress in hypersonic technology, with China reportedly fielding operational hypersonic systems and Russia claiming to have deployed its Avangard hypersonic glide vehicle.
### Details of the Second Live-Fire Test
The second live-fire test, conducted at a secure test range, involved the launch of a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) mounted on a two-stage booster system. The C-HGB is a joint effort between the Army and Navy, designed to serve as the core component of both services' hypersonic weapon systems. The test successfully demonstrated the missile's ability to achieve hypersonic speeds, execute precise maneuvers, and strike its intended target with high accuracy.
One of the most notable aspects of this test was the use of the Transporter-Erector System (TES) for the first time. The TES is a mobile, ground-based platform designed to transport, erect, and launch the hypersonic missile. Its deployment represents a significant advancement in the operational flexibility and survivability of hypersonic systems. By enabling rapid deployment and launch from various locations, the TES enhances the U.S. military's ability to respond to emerging threats in real-time.
### Joint Effort Between the Army and Navy
The collaboration between the Army and Navy on hypersonic technology reflects a broader trend toward joint-service integration in the U.S. military. The Army's Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) and the Navy's Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) program both utilize the C-HGB, streamlining development and reducing costs. While the Army's LRHW is designed for ground-based launches, the Navy's CPS will be deployed aboard submarines and surface
