Military Connection: Hypersonic Missile Fails: By Debbie Gregory

Over the past several years, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command has been developing an Advanced Hypersonic Weapon, designed to have the capability of traveling at speeds over 3,840 miles per hour.

The Defense Department has been developing the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon as a non-nuclear missile that could quickly strike targets anywhere in the world. In 2011, during the first test of the missile, it traveled 2,500 miles in 30 minutes.

In the early hours of August 25, 2014, the Army conducted its latest test of the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon from the Kodiak Islands in Alaska. This test was not as successful.The DOD released the following statement:

“Shortly after 4 a.m. EDT, the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command, as part of the Defense Department”s Conventional Prompt Global Strike technology development program, conducted a flight test of the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon from the Kodiak Launch Complex in Alaska.Due to an anomaly, the test was terminated near the launch pad shortly after lift-off to ensure public safety. There were no injuries to any personnel.Program officials are conducting an extensive investigation to determine the cause of the flight anomaly.”

It was reported by local news in Alaska that witnesses who saw the test claimed that the rocket appeared to be out of control.

The Army has yet to make a statement about the future of the Advanced Hypersonic Weapon program, or what led to the termination of the launch.

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Military Connection: Hypersonic Missile Fails: By Debbie Gregory