Castelion Secures Initial Integration Deals for Blackbeard Hypersonic Missile
Castelion, a defense startup based in Washington, has announced significant progress in its hypersonic weapon system, Blackbeard. The company has secured multiple platform integration contracts for the Blackbeard missile, marking a milestone in its development.
Key Achievements for Castelion
Castelion’s CEO, Bryon Hargis, emphasized that these awards highlight the importance of affordability and speed in modern military deterrence. The company aims to lead the market by prioritizing manufacturability and rapid iteration, assisting the Department of War in accelerating its capabilities.
Integration with Military Platforms
Although specific Army platforms for integration have not been disclosed, budget documents for fiscal 2026 suggest that Blackbeard may be used with a future variant of the Precision Strike Missile (PrSM), referred to as HX3. This new missile could potentially double the range of the existing PrSM 1 at a lower cost.
- HX3 aims to enhance capabilities against time-sensitive, moving targets.
- Expected to reduce costs per missile significantly compared to existing inventory.
The Army’s budget indicates that Blackbeard has been marked as a crucial component in achieving the capabilities of the Increment 4 PrSM at a significantly reduced cost.
Compatibility with Launch Systems
Castelion’s Blackbeard is not intended to replace the Long Range Hypersonic Weapons but is expected to deliver around 80% of the Increment 4 capability of the PrSM at a lesser cost. The company has also won a contract from the Office of Naval Research to explore initial estimates for an air-launched anti-surface weapon.
Future Developments and Funding
The U.S. military’s focus on hypersonic weapons has intensified as competition with China grows. Notably, China recently showcased its YJ-17, YJ-19, and YJ-20 hypersonic missiles at a military parade.
In 2023, funding for the development of hypersonic systems was allocated, including a $25 million budget for Blackbeard aimed at two phases:
- Phase 1: A prototype proof-of-concept demonstration scheduled for early 2026.
- Phase 2: Delivery of ten minimum viable product prototypes for flight tests by the end of FY26.
Conclusion
Blackbeard represents Castelion’s advancement in creating long-range hypersonic strike weapons. With a commitment to mass production and rapid deployment, Castelion’s project aligns with the Department of Defense’s goal of building credible deterrent capacity at a lower cost.
