# Navy Tests Blackbeard at Patuxent River

The U.S. Navy completed a developmental flight test of Castelion’s Blackbeard hypersonic missile aboard an F/A-18E/F Super Hornet at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland. The aircraft carried two missiles, but neither was released or live-fired. The test advances Blackbeard toward Early Operational Capability; the signal identifies no contract award, funding amount, solicitation, or near-term procurement action.

- The test demonstrates an aircraft-carriage milestone, but not missile release or operational employment—an important distinction for firms assessing system maturity and integration risk.
- Defense contractors supporting aircraft integration, weapons testing, or hypersonic programs can use the test as a market signal, while recognizing that no specific procurement opportunity or acquisition timeline is identified.

**Jurisdictions:** federal
**Industries:** Defense & Military
**Published:** October 01, 2026

### Government Entities
- U.S. Navy (Navy)
- Portfolio Acquisition Executive Aviation (PAE(A))

### Vendors
- Castelion (Developer of the Blackbeard hypersonic missile)

### Sources
- [Blackbeard Flight Tested On Super Hornet - Defense Daily](https://www.defensedaily.com/blackbeard-flight-tested-on-super-hornet/navy-usmc) - Defense Daily