Systems › Blackbeard
Blackbeard
Castelion. Facts from open sources (OSINT), each linked to its post or document; translated from Russian by a language model.
Manufacturer and country
| Value | Sources | Where |
|---|---|---|
| Castelion | ×8 | @VictoryDrones, @RussianArms, @yigal_levin +5 |
| U.S. Naval Air Systems Command | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| Castellion | ×1 | @new_militarycolumnist |
Specifications
| Parameter | Value | Sources | Where |
|---|---|---|---|
| Speed | over Mach 5 (sustained) Mach | ×6 | @yigal_levin, @battle_technic, @wingsofwar +3 |
| Range | 800–1000 km | ×3 | @VictoryDrones, @RussianArms, @new_militarycolumnist |
| target | long-range land and sea targets | ×3 | @wingsofwar, @yigal_levin, @VictoryDrones |
| Range | up to 500 nautical miles (about 926 km) nautical miles / km | ×2 | @enginigers, @battle_technic |
| Range | long-range | ×2 | @yigal_levin, @VictoryDrones |
| Payload / payload warhead | modular payload | ×2 | @VictoryDrones, @RussianArms |
| Payload / warhead | adaptable to different scenarios | ×2 | @VictoryDrones, @RussianArms |
| Cost | less than $500 thousand per unit USD | ×2 | @yigal_levin, @wingsofwar |
| Cost | relatively inexpensive | ×2 | @yigal_levin, @VictoryDrones |
| deployment_date | 2027 | ×2 | @VictoryDrones, @RussianArms |
| speed_active | Mach 6–7 in powered phase M | ×2 | @VictoryDrones, @RussianArms |
| speed_terminal | Mach 3–4 in terminal phase M | ×2 | @VictoryDrones, @RussianArms |
| Range | over 900 km | ×1 | @wingsofwar |
| Range | ~926 km | ×1 | @yigal_levin |
| Speed | hypersonic | ×1 | @battle_technic |
| Gross weight | 2750 pounds (~1247 kg) | ×1 | @battle_technic |
| Payload / warhead | 34–43 kg | ×1 | @new_militarycolumnist |
| Dimensions length | 12 feet (~3.7 m) m/cm | ×1 | @battle_technic |
| Dimensions | diameter ~7 inches (~17.8 cm) m/cm ≠ sources disagree | ×1 | @battle_technic |
| Dimensions | body diameter 305 mm ≠ sources disagree | ×1 | @new_militarycolumnist |
| Cost | below 300 thousand dollars in serial production; early batches ~384–468 thousand dollars USD | ×1 | @battle_technic |
| Cost | relatively inexpensive hypersonic weapon | ×1 | @wingsofwar |
| Cost | up to $200 million (first batch) USD | ×1 | @theaterVD |
| Cost | ниже $500 000 за ракету USD | ×1 | @enginigers |
| basing | air and ground launch (boost-glide / hypersonic glide vehicle) | ×1 | @new_militarycolumnist |
| basing | air-launched, from carrier-based fighters | ×1 | @theaterVD |
| c2_integration | digital control architecture, integration with U.S. Air Force and Navy platforms | ×1 | @RussianArms |
| carrier | F/A-18 fighter | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| carrier_platform | F/A-18E/F Super Hornet | ×1 | @enginigers |
| configuration | 2-stage operational-tactical quasi-ballistic missile with maneuvering warhead stage | ×1 | @RussianArms |
| construction | two-stage system: solid-fuel booster + separable upper stage (HGV with fins or with its own engine) | ×1 | @battle_technic |
| contract_completion | August 2028 | ×1 | @yigal_levin |
| contract_value | $89.99 million for 50 missiles USD | ×1 | @enginigers |
| contract_value | ~$90 million USD | ×1 | @yigal_levin |
| cost_contract | $200 million USD | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| delivery_deadline | by September 2028 | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| early_batch_quantity | 50 pcs | ×1 | @yigal_levin |
| early_operational_capability_qty | 50 missiles | ×1 | @theaterVD |
| funding | USD 90 million | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| glide_vehicle | hypersonic glider | ×1 | @milinua |
| hardpoints | two wing hardpoints | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| initial_contract | 444 units | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| integration_status | advanced stage of integration on F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (two missiles under the wing) | ×1 | @yigal_levin |
| ioc_date | 2027 | ×1 | @theaterVD |
| ioc_target | early operational capability by 2028 | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| launch_platform | ground launchers and fighters | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| payload_internal_f35 | up to four missiles in weapons bays | ×1 | @battle_technic |
| planned_completion | August 2028 | ×1 | @enginigers |
| planned_order | 12 000 единиц за 5 лет | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| production_quantity | 444 units | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| program | Multi-Mission Affordable Capacity Effector (MACE), Project Alpha | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| propulsion | solid-fuel boosters with improved thermal protection and guidance accuracy | ×1 | @VictoryDrones |
| propulsion | rocket booster similar to a ballistic missile | ×1 | @milinua |
| propulsion | solid-fuel motors (boosters) | ×1 | @RussianArms |
| prototype_cost | USD 23 million | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| prototype_quantity | 50 pcs | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| seeker | seeker for engaging stationary and moving targets, including surface vessels | ×1 | @new_militarycolumnist |
| target | sea and ground targets | ×1 | @theaterVD |
| thermal_protection | improved thermal protection | ×1 | @RussianArms |
| warhead_type | Reactive Material Warhead | ×1 | @stratdela |
×N – how many different sources (channels, sites or documents) give this value; ×1 means one.
Components and technologies
| Value | Sources | Where |
|---|---|---|
| GPS navigation | ×1 | @battle_technic |
| thermal protective coating | ×2 | @VictoryDrones, @battle_technic |
| solid-fuel rocket booster | ×1 | @battle_technic |
| SRM (solid-propellant rocket motor) | ×2 | @VictoryDrones, @RussianArms |
| F/A-18 | ×1 | @warhistoryalconafter |
| inertial navigation system (INS) | ×1 | @battle_technic |
| Reactive Material Warhead | ×1 | @stratdela |
| boost-glide | ×1 | @new_militarycolumnist |
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