________
Source: Bulgarian Military
American Dark Eagle hypersonic missile cost soars up to $41M
By Boyko Nikolov | March 28, 2024
Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and the US Army are making steady progress on the Dark Eagle hypersonic missile system. Although the current testing phases of various Dark Eagle components have reportedly encountered a few obstacles, the Pentagon remains optimistic. Insiders within the US military suggest we might see a prototype as early as 2024.
Photo credit: US Army
However, the focus is gradually shifting toward the escalating costs. Local analysts are now expressing concerns over the increasing price tag of each missile within the system, currently totaling an estimated $41 million. This projection comes from the Congressional Budget Office. To put this in context, the Trident II [D5], a ballistic missile equipped with a nuclear warhead that forms the backbone of US nuclear deterrents, costs $10 million less. As we grapple with the testing challenges of the Dark Eagle's components, one can’t help but wonder if this price will inflate even further.
But, one might ask, why is the hypersonic missile so expensive, and furthermore, why is the cost continually rising? To answer this, we need to unpack what a hypersonic rocket involves. Predominantly, we're talking about incredible speed - the Dark Eagle missile is designed to reach speeds of Mach 5 or above. This necessitates a design capable of withstanding temperatures above 3000° Fahrenheit, ensuring the electronic components encapsulated within these high-speed alloys continue to function optimally.
The primary resource for rocket construction is typically a nickel-based superalloy. This is due to their superior mechanical strength and their unrivaled resistance to deformation under high temperatures. Another frequently utilized material is tungsten, a metal recognized for its high melting point and extraordinary density. This metal finds great use in the rocket's nose tips which undergo the most elevated temperatures. It's also employed in the missile's control surfaces.
High-temperature resistant metals like molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, and their respective alloys, are frequently utilized due to their high melting points. You'll often see these used in rocket engine nozzles. Ceramic materials, such as silicon carbide and boron carbide, are employed for their robust resistance to thermal shock and their low thermal conductivity. These ceramics play an essential role in the thermal protection system of the missile.
Determining an exact price for these highly sophisticated radar components can be perplexing, given the intricate manufacturing process and the classified nature of military-grade technology. Nevertheless, it's worth recognizing that the price tag can be considerable. Indeed, you might discover it often exceeds your initial estimates. The raw materials aren't cheap, and designing components to withstand such extreme conditions is a challenge wrapped in a mystery. And, as you might expect, such a process is not without substantial costs.
Please go to Bulgarian Military to continue reading.
But, one might ask, why is the hypersonic missile so expensive, and furthermore, why is the cost continually rising? To answer this, we need to unpack what a hypersonic rocket involves. Predominantly, we're talking about incredible speed - the Dark Eagle missile is designed to reach speeds of Mach 5 or above. This necessitates a design capable of withstanding temperatures above 3000° Fahrenheit, ensuring the electronic components encapsulated within these high-speed alloys continue to function optimally.
The primary resource for rocket construction is typically a nickel-based superalloy. This is due to their superior mechanical strength and their unrivaled resistance to deformation under high temperatures. Another frequently utilized material is tungsten, a metal recognized for its high melting point and extraordinary density. This metal finds great use in the rocket's nose tips which undergo the most elevated temperatures. It's also employed in the missile's control surfaces.
High-temperature resistant metals like molybdenum, niobium, tantalum, and their respective alloys, are frequently utilized due to their high melting points. You'll often see these used in rocket engine nozzles. Ceramic materials, such as silicon carbide and boron carbide, are employed for their robust resistance to thermal shock and their low thermal conductivity. These ceramics play an essential role in the thermal protection system of the missile.
Determining an exact price for these highly sophisticated radar components can be perplexing, given the intricate manufacturing process and the classified nature of military-grade technology. Nevertheless, it's worth recognizing that the price tag can be considerable. Indeed, you might discover it often exceeds your initial estimates. The raw materials aren't cheap, and designing components to withstand such extreme conditions is a challenge wrapped in a mystery. And, as you might expect, such a process is not without substantial costs.
Please go to Bulgarian Military to continue reading.
________
How much of this aid has been destroyed by Russian precision artillery, rocket artillery, missiles, FABs (FABs are remarkably accurate) and hypersonic missiles?
Total US aid to Ukraine exceeds $113 bln — TV
How much of this aid has been destroyed by Russian precision artillery, rocket artillery, missiles, FABs (FABs are remarkably accurate) and hypersonic missiles?
Total US aid to Ukraine exceeds $113 bln — TV
Who wants to wager this general from Poland who was alleged to have died in Ukraine from "natural causes" was either caused by Mr. Zircon or Mr. Kinzhal who came to negotiate with him?
Mr. Zircon leaves a Russian frigate for a test negotiation:
Right behind the negotiator Mr. Zircon, Russia's other capable negotiator Mr. Kinzhal leaves the pylon for some negotiations in Ukraine:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Note: Only a member of this blog may post a comment.