CONVENTIONAL PROMPT STRIKE (CPS)

The Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) program is focused on developing a hypersonic conventional offensive strike capability for use in contested environments. This initiative is a joint effort between the Navy and the Army, with a primary goal of designing a common All Up Round (AUR). The AUR includes a Common Hypersonic Glide Body (C-HGB) and a two-stage booster. The Navy is responsible for designing the C-HGB, while the Army manages its production. Key objectives of the program include ensuring precision accuracy from launch to impact, providing maneuverability to avoid over-flight issues, and achieving prompt lethal effects on targets.

To meet these objectives, the CPS program emphasizes research and development across various components of the weapon system. This includes work on missile boosters, thermal protection systems, navigation, guidance and control systems, and payload modules. Integration of these components into existing fire control systems and launch platforms for both sea and land-based operations is also a focus. Testing phases involve Modeling and Simulation (M&S), Hardware-in-the-Loop (HWIL), Software-in-the-Loop (SWIL), ground-based testing, in-air and underwater launch testing, as well as flight tests.

The CPS program aligns with the National Defense Strategy by advancing hypersonic technologies to enhance U.S. conventional power projection capabilities. It aims to deliver rapid capability through multiple acquisition increments while allowing flexibility for future enhancements as requirements evolve. A Technology Insertion strategy has been developed to regularly incorporate baseline upgrades and mature advanced technologies into both Navy and Army systems.

Furthermore, the Science and Technology / Advanced Capabilities (STAC) component of the CPS program identifies emerging technologies to address warfighting gaps. This involves developing new technologies that improve affordability, manage obsolescence, and enhance system capabilities against existing threats. The STAC program conducts experimental testing using sounding rockets and full-scale test launches to validate readiness levels for transitioning these technologies into operational use.