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U.S. military launches Dark Eagle hypersonic missile in test successfully

13 December 2024 09:40 (UTC +04:00)

The U.S. military successfully launched a hypersonic missile Thursday from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Department of Defense officials confirmed, APA reports citing Florida Today.

The unannounced midday missile flight marked the first live-fire event for the Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon — also known as Dark Eagle — which debuted at Cape Canaveral in February 2023 for testing.

"This test marks an important milestone in the development of one of our most advanced weapons systems. As we approach the first delivery of this capability to our Army partners, we will continue to press forward to integrate Conventional Prompt Strike into our Navy surface and subsurface ships to help ensure we remain the world's preeminent fighting force," Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro said in a press release.

The midday liftoff from Launch Complex 46 at the eastern tip of the Cape sparked social media discussion across the Space Coast, ranging from close-up missile images posted by seasoned photographers to expressions of surprise posted by unsuspecting witnesses.

“What the heck kind of launch was that??? It looked like a missile. Super fast and thin,” a Facebook user posted.