Viper Strategic Strike missile
| Viper | |
|---|---|
| Type | Cruise missile |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Production history | |
| Designed | 2024-present |
| Manufacturer | Mach Industries |
| Specifications | |
| Warhead | 10 kg (22 lb)+ |
Operational range | 290 km (180 mi) |
The Viper is a cruise missile being developed for the United States Army.
Design
[edit]The Viper is designed as a vertical takeoff (VTO) surface-to-surface missile. Taking advantage of the emergence of low-cost, man-portable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) assets allowing maneuver elements to see further than they were previously able to, the Viper is intended to enable tactical units to engage high-value targets, such as radar arrays and artillery pieces, well beyond the forward line of troops. The weapon will have a range of 290 km with a warhead exceeding 10 kg, providing the range of a HIMARS, the speed of a cruise missile and the lethality of a Hellfire missile. Artificial intelligence and several different radio frequencies will be used for communication, navigation and targeting in areas where GPS is severed. It is planned to cost less than $100,000 and be fielded at company- through brigade-level formations.[1][2]
History
[edit]In 2024, the Army Applications Laboratory awarded Mach Industries funding to develop a new cruise missile called Strategic Strike. The weapon's design was completed in September 2024, and a vertical takeoff test flight was conducted in January 2025.[1][2]
References
[edit]- 1 2 Mach announces deal with Army lab for vertical takeoff ‘Strategic Strike’ cruise missile. Breaking Defense. 4 March 2025.
- 1 2 Startup Wins Army Contract to Develop Vertical Takeoff Cruise Missile. National Defense Magazine. 20 March 2025.
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