Castelion’s Blackbeard Missile Could Offer Cost-Effective Precision Strike
The US Army is exploring a developmental hypersonic round from defense startup Castelion, dubbed Blackbeard, for use with a future autonomous launcher, according to budget documents and officials. This move reflects the Army’s push to engage new, non-traditional industry partners.
HX3: A Cheaper, Longer-Range Precision Strike Missile
Army officials have hinted at a Precision Strike Missile (PrSM) variant, dubbed HX3, that could „double the range” of the baseline weapon while being more affordable. Budget documents reveal that the Army plans to test Castelion’s Blackbeard hypersonic missile as a cost-effective solution for hitting „time-sensitive moving targets and hardened targets.”
Blackbeard: Complementary, Not a Replacement for LRHW
The Army clarified that Blackbeard will not replace the Long Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRHW) due to differences in velocity and range. The goal is for Blackbeard to deliver approximately 80% of the PrSM Increment 4 capability at a significantly reduced cost.
Castelion Confirms Development, Refers Questions to Army
Castelion Cofounder and Chief Operating Officer Sean Pitt confirmed the development of Blackbeard but deferred specific questions about the Army’s plans to the service.
Autonomous Launcher and HIMARS Compatibility
The new Common Autonomous Multi-Domain Launcher (CAML) effort, including medium (CAML-M) and heavy variants, will pair with the HX3/Blackbeard missile. The CAML-M will be based on a Family of Medium Tactical Vehicle and utilize a launcher compatible with Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) Family of Munitions and/or the new Indirect Fire Protection Capability with AIM-9X interceptors. Blackbeard is designed to be compatible with existing HIMARS platforms as an interim solution.
Phased Development and Testing
The Army plans to invest $25 million in FY26 on Blackbeard development, with a prototype proof-of-concept demonstration planned between January and March 2026. If successful, Castelion will deliver 10 minimum viable product prototypes for flight testing from a M142 HIMARS towards the end of FY26. The service anticipates receiving Blackbeard missiles by early FY28, contingent on successful tests and development.
Castelion’s Vision: Faster, Cheaper Missile Development
Castelion’s founders, formerly of SpaceX, aim to disrupt the defense sector by developing missiles faster and at a lower cost. Their strategy involves utilizing non-traditional supply bases, vertically integrating the design and production of key components like solid rocket motors, seekers, control actuation systems, and flight computers.
Bringing Back the Apollo-Era Approach
Castelion emphasizes rapid iteration and learning through real-world testing. „All we’re really doing is bringing back what used to work for America, like in the Apollo era, where you make an initial design over the course of a few months, analyze what you can, actually build it, and test it,” said CEO and co-founder Bryon Hargis. „Pace of learning and availability of hardware is the key to fast progress.”
