General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems has received a subcontract from Leidos to produce precision components for the US Army and Navy’s hypersonic weapons programmes through 2031. The work includes precision-machined parts and cable assemblies for the Common Hypersonic Glide Body, the shared glide vehicle used by both services. GA-EMS brings previous programme experience, having supplied prototype subassemblies, hardware and cables for the successful 2020 CHGB flight test. Production will use the company’s existing workforce and facilities, supported by specialised machining and cable assembly capabilities. GA-EMS will also test and inspect components to verify compliance with design and quality requirements. The agreement contributes to US efforts to develop weapons capable of flying at Mach 5 or faster for long-range strikes. The Army’s Dark Eagle Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon and the Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike both employ the CHGB, which separates from its booster after acceleration and continues towards its target. The Army intends to operate Dark Eagle from mobile ground launchers, while the Navy is developing ship- and submarine-launched configurations. Additional US programmes include the Air Force’s scramjet-powered Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile, designed for air launch from the F-15E, and the Navy’s Blackbeard hypersonic weapon. Developed by Castelion for carrier-based aircraft, Blackbeard received a production delivery order worth up to $200 million in September for an initial missile lot.
