Persistence pays off with ARRW hypersonic test
An AGM-183A missile is secured aboard a USAF B-52H Stratofortress before a captive carry test in August 2020. (Photo: USAF/Giancarlo Casem)
The ARRW air-launched hypersonic missile test programme has had its share of delays and mishaps, but Lockheed Martin and the USAF have finally conducted a successful boosted flight test.
Lockheed Martin announced on 17 May that it has successfully conducted a boosted flight test with the USAF of the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) hypersonic missile.
The successful flight with a B-52H Stratofortress ‘demonstrates the weapon’s ability to reach and withstand operational hypersonic speeds, collect crucial data for use in further flight tests, and validate safe separation from the aircraft to deliver the glide body and warhead to designated targets from significant standoff distances’, Lockheed Martin stated.
‘The need for hypersonic strike capabilities is critical to our nation and this successful test will help us to maintain an accelerated and rigorous timeline,’ said Dave Berganini, VP of hypersonic and strike systems at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.
Development of the AGM-183A began in 2018 but progress has been patchy with failed booster tests in 2021, for example in July when the motor did not ignite.
The General Accountability Office has criticised the programme for delays and spiralling costs, noting in March 2021 that ARRW might only achieve a ‘residual operational capability’ in late FY2022.
In its FY2023 budget proposal, the USAF stated that it intends to spend $46.6 million on a single ARRW.
More from Air Warfare
-
![UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities]()
UK vows to accelerate Lyra programme for Ukraine as defence industry eyes opportunities
Project Nightfall and Project Octopus both fall under the Lyra programme, with UK industry working to develop and deliver additional missiles and drones to help bolster Ukraine’s warfighting capabilities against Russia.
-
![How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense]()
How detection-led C-UAS solutions are transforming drone defense
Modern C-UAS solutions must detect threats early, integrate layered sensors, and deliver fast, scalable, adaptable defense against evolving drones.
-
![US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies]()
US approves $16.5 billion in ‘emergency’ sales for air defence equipment for Middle East allies
The United Arab Emirates has taken the lion’s share of this round, with the US supporting its F-16 fleet and signing off on possible sales for more AMRAAM AIM-120 missiles and a counter-drone system.
-
![How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics]()
How uncrewed rotary platforms are shaping approaches to contested logistics
Defence industry primes are working on an array of different platforms to meet the growing need for rotary uncrewed aerial vehicles to carry out future logistics missions.
