Conventional Prompt Strike

Overview

Conventional Prompt Strike (CPS) — Navy Strategic Systems Programs hypersonic missile. Managed by VADM Johnny Wolfe. 'Common hypersonic missile' developed with Army (common All Up Round). LOCKHEED MARTIN is the prime contractor. Cold-gas launch approach for sea-based platforms (eject missile from ship, ignite at safe distance). Successfully tested end-to-end from Cape Canaveral (December 2024, May 2025). Navy plans to test aboard USS Zumwalt in 2027-2028. 'The speed, range, and survivability of hypersonic weapons are key to integrated deterrence.' CPS involves significant plasma physics: hypersonic plasma sheath, RF communication blackout through plasma, thermal protection system plasma interactions. CRITICAL CONNECTION: Pais was at SSP (June 2019 - January 2021) while Lockheed was CPS prime contractor. Pais's plasma expertise could have been applied to CPS plasma physics challenges. SSP also manages Trident II D5/D5LE2 SLBMs and W93/Mk7 warhead — the Navy's most sensitive nuclear weapons programs.

Entity Type: Program — Conventional Prompt Strike is a government or defense program/initiative.

Network Relationships

Conventional Prompt Strike connects to 4 entities in the intelligence network:

Concepts (1):

• ← Pais-SSP-Lockheed Triangle: Lockheed is CPS prime contractor — Pais at SSP during CPS development

Organisations (2):

• → Navy SSP: CPS managed by Navy SSP
• → Lockheed Martin Skunk Works®: Lockheed Martin is prime contractor for CPS

Programs (1):

• ← Navy Plasma Sheath SBIR: Navy funding plasma manipulation for hypersonic vehicles — CPS plasma sheath mitigation

Source Documents

Intelligence derived from 4 source documents:

• Navy.mil — CPS cold-gas launch test (May 2, 2025)
• Reuters — 'Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor' (May 2, 2025)
• USNI News — CPS Zumwalt testing 2027-2028 (November 14, 2024)
• SSP — CPS end-to-end flight test (December 12, 2024)