Failed test jolts US hypersonic ambitions
AGM-183A hypersonic missile pictured in an August 2020 captive carry test with a B-52H Stratofortress. (Photo: USAF/Giancarlo Casem)
AGM-183A hypersonic glide weapon undergoes abortive booster vehicle flight test.
The USAF on 6 April announced a ‘setback’ in its quest to develop hypersonic weapons, after experiencing a failed booster vehicle flight test (BTF-1) for the prototype Lockheed Martin AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW).
The booster vehicle for the conventional hypersonic glide weapon prototype failed to launch from a BH-52 Stratofortress on 5 April, in a flight from Edwards AFB to the Point Mugu Sea Range.
It would have been the eighth flight test for ARRW following seven captive carriage missions, the USAF noted.
It added that BTF-1 objectives ‘included demonstrating the safe release of the booster test vehicle from the B‑52H as well as assessing booster performance, booster-shroud separation, and simulated glider separation’.
No details are available as to when the flight test will be rescheduled.
Brig Gen Heath Collins, Armament Directorate Program Executive Officer at the US Air Force Life Cycle Management Center, said ‘calculated risks’ were taking to move the ARRW programme forward.
He added: ‘While not launching was disappointing, the recent test provided invaluable information to learn from and continue ahead. This is why we test.’
As part of our promise to deliver comprehensive coverage to our Defence Insight and Premium News subscribers, our curated defence news content provides the latest industry updates, contract awards and programme milestones.
More from Air Warfare
-
![AI-controlled F-16s advance towards autonomous multi-aircraft operations in US]()
AI-controlled F-16s advance towards autonomous multi-aircraft operations in US
The US plans to progressively expand VENOM/AIR testing from single-aircraft flights to multi-platform autonomous operations over the next 12–24 months, generating data that could support future US military AI programmes, including Collaborative Combat Aircraft.
-
![AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus]()
AIM-260 JATM deal puts Australia’s missile-industrial ambitions in focus
While a potentially accelerated acquisition timeline could strengthen the RAAF’s long-range air combat capability, Canberra’s continued reliance on US missile production is also put under the spotlight in parallel to its push to build a sovereign industry.
-
![Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?]()
Attack drones versus CUAS – the future of warfare or just another trend?
Demand signals for counter-drone technology are strong and the market is becoming crowded, but is this really the beginning of a new phase of warfare or will commentators be talking about something else 10 years from now?
