LONG-RANGE HYPERSONIC WEAPON

The Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) is a part of the Army's Missile Procurement budget activity and is focused on the development and prototype fielding of critical enabling technologies and capabilities to address near-term and mid-term threats. The specific objectives include the production of LRHW Ground Support Equipment for the Institutional Training Base (ITB) and a tactical reload trailer. This funding supports the fielding of LRHW to defeat Anti Access/Area Denial (A2/AD) capabilities, suppress adversary Long Range Fires, and engage other high payoff/time critical targets. The LRHW system consists of the All Up Rounds (AUR) with canister (AUR+C) which includes the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB) with the Navy 34.5 inch booster, the Battery Operations Center (BOC) for command and control (C2), and the Transporter Erector Launcher (TEL). An LRHW Battery contains 8 AUR+C, 1 BOC, and 4 TELs each carrying 2 AUR+C. Additionally, the LRHW will use a modified version of an existing C2 network, the Advanced Field Artillery Tactical Data System (AFATDS).

The program is directly aligned with the Army Long Range Precision Fires modernization priority and involves collaborative work with the Navy in developing LRHW. The specific goals include addressing threats, enhancing capabilities, and achieving operational objectives in line with modernization priorities. The funding decrease from FY 2023 to FY 2024 is due to Battery 2 equipment procured in FY 2023, with Battery 3 to be procured in FY 2025. An increase is planned in FY 2025 to procure Battery 3. The LRHW system aims to enhance military capabilities by providing advanced technology to counter potential threats effectively.