US Air Force launches prototype hypersonic missile from B-52 bomber
A B-52H Stratofortress carrying an Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW). (Photo: USAF)
The weapon is designed to allow the US to target high-value, time-sensitive targets in contested environments.
On December 9, the USAF successfully released the first All-Up-Round AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) from a B-52H Stratofortress.
The test marked the first launch of a prototype operational missile, with indications showing all test objectives were met.
Following release from the 412th Test Wing B-52H, the ARRW missile reached hypersonic speeds, completed its flight path, and detonated.
Related Articles
B-52: new training options for an old bomber detailed at I/ITSEC 2022
US Air Force inches closer to hypersonic capability
India takes a step towards hypersonic capability
The ARRW team has successfully designed and tested the air-launched hypersonic missile in just five years.
The USAF aims for the weapon to be operational in the autumn of 2023.
More from Air Warfare
-
![‘Never done before’: tiltrotor technology and the future battlespace]()
‘Never done before’: tiltrotor technology and the future battlespace
In conversation... Bell's Frank Lazzara talks to Shephard's Gerrard Cowan about the potential of tiltrotor designs to revolutionize U.S. Army maneuver operations, and how the technology could transform other mission sets across DoD and international armed services.
-
![Italy looks to advance development of airborne electronic warfare initiatives]()
Italy looks to advance development of airborne electronic warfare initiatives
Italy’s ELT Group involvement in airborne electronic warfare initiatives, including developing systems for the Eurofighter Typhoon and future sixth-generation combat aircraft, has been focused on integrated sensing, non-kinetic effects and communications.
-
![AUSA 2024: UVision USA unveils multi-launch munition system]()
AUSA 2024: UVision USA unveils multi-launch munition system
UVision’s Hero-120 is one of a family of loitering munitions developed by the company. The Hero 120 has been ordered in the thousands for US forces including to meet the USMC’s Organic Precision Fire Mounted requirement.
-
![UK Royal Navy Wildcat fires Sea Venom anti-ship missile]()
UK Royal Navy Wildcat fires Sea Venom anti-ship missile
The Wildcat is fitted with .50cal gun and carries Stingray torpedoes and Marlet lightweight missiles. Sea Venom substantially boosts the platform’s punch.
