USAF’s second hypersonic missile test ends in failed motor ignition

Setting up a previous ARRW hypersonic missile test in August 2020
© US Air Force photo by Giancarlo Casem
Setting up a previous ARRW hypersonic missile test in August 2020

US Air Force has completed its seconds hypersonic missile test of its prototype AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW).

The service announced the missile detached from the B-52H Stratofortress bomber but its motor failed to ignite.

While it did not meet all flight objectives, the test demonstrated several first-time events as the programme continues to track toward fielding a hypersonic capability in the early 2020s.

Objectives for the test included demonstrating the safe release of the booster test vehicle from the B 52H and assessing booster performance.

The missile cleanly separated from the aircraft and successfully demonstrated the full release sequence including GPS acquisition, umbilical disconnect and power transfer from the aircraft to the missile. The missile also demonstrated fin operation and de-confliction maneuvers which ensures a safe operation for the aircrew.

The ARRW team continues to progress through the rapid prototyping effort with a steadfast commitment to the well-being of Airmen and equipment, striking a balance between prudent risk and rapid advancement of the programme.

“Developing first-of-its-kind missiles is difficult business and this why we test,” said Brig. Gen. Heath Collins, the Air Force programme executive officer for weapons. “This is a critical capability for our Air Force and we have the very best team working to figure out what happened, fix it and move out to deliver ARRW to our warfighters as quickly as possible.”

The ARRW programme aims to deliver a conventional hypersonic weapons capability to the warfighter in the early 2020s. The weapon system is designed to provide the ability to destroy high-value, time-sensitive targets. It will also expand precision-strike weapon systems’ capabilities by enabling rapid response strikes against heavily defended land targets.

www.af.mil

Company

Lockheed Martin

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