General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) will manufacture cable assemblies and precision-machined components for the common glide body used in the Dark Eagle and Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) programmes through 2031.
General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems (GA-EMS) has been selected by Leidos to manufacture critical components for hypersonic weapons programmes operated by the US Army and Navy. Under a multi-year subcontract, the company will produce precision-machined parts and cable assemblies for the Common Hypersonic Glide Body (CHGB). The work is scheduled to continue through 2031. The components will be used in the US Army’s Dark Eagle and the US Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) programmes.
GA-EMS Support for Hypersonic Weapons Programmes
The systems are designed to engage heavily defended, time-sensitive targets at long ranges. Leidos’ contract with the US Army combines the CHGB and Thermal Protection System programmes. By bringing research, development and production activities under a single contract, the programme aims to accelerate the delivery of hypersonic weapons capabilities. By supplying hardware for the common glide body, GA-EMS is contributing to Dark Eagle, one of the US Army’s highest-priority modernisation programmes, and the US Navy’s Conventional Prompt Strike programme, which supports long-range conventional strike capabilities from land and sea.
GA-EMS previously manufactured prototype subcomponents for the hypersonic glide body and supplied hardware and cable systems for the successfully completed CHGB flight test in 2020. Experience gained from these activities will be applied to the new production work continuing through 2031. GA-EMS President Scott Forney stated that the ongoing collaboration with Leidos strengthens the company’s role in manufacturing critical components for hypersonic weapons systems. He noted that experience gained from prototype production and flight testing would be carried forward into the production phase under the new contract, contributing to the development of long-range strike capabilities for the US Army and Navy. Under the contract, GA-EMS is drawing on its existing domestic defence industrial workforce and manufacturing resources. Skilled manufacturing and cable technicians are using specialised equipment and high-volume machining capabilities to produce the required hardware, while testing and inspections verify that the components meet design specifications and quality requirements.
GA-EMS Vice President of Weapons Programmes Mike Rucker stated that the company’s expertise covers cable assemblies, precision-machined metal parts and structural components for the Elevon Control Module and hypersonic glide body. Rucker emphasised that this combination provides the customer with continuity from a team familiar with the programme’s demanding electrical and mechanical manufacturing requirements, adding that the company applies this expertise to maintain precision and repeatability throughout production.
🔍 You may also like
Source: C4Defence – General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems
