The US Air Force recently made headlines with the successful test of a prototype hypersonic missile in the Pacific, signaling a significant advancement in its hypersonic weapons program amidst rising global tensions. A B-52 Stratofortress executed a full prototype operational test of the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) at the Reagan Test Site, with the bomber taking off from Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, on March 17, 2024, local time.
The test’s successful execution at the Reagan Test Site, an essential component of the US missile defense testing network, reflects the service’s efforts to address the growing need for hypersonic capabilities in the face of potential adversaries’ advancements in similar technologies.
An Air Force spokesperson detailed the significance of this event, stating, “This test launched a full prototype operational hypersonic missile and focused on the ARRW’s end-to-end performance.” Despite not confirming the test’s outright success, the spokesperson emphasized the value of insights gained into the capabilities of this new technology. “This test acquired valuable, unique data and was intended to further a range of hypersonic programs. We also validated and improved our test and evaluation capabilities for continued development of advanced hypersonic systems.”
The AGM-183A ARRW is a boost-glide weapon system, utilizing a rocket to accelerate to high speeds before releasing a glide body that maneuvers at velocities at least five times the speed of sound. Such weapons pose a formidable challenge to current defense systems due to their ability to evade interception through high-speed, high-maneuverability flight profiles.
The ARRW prototype testing follows earlier tests with varying results, sparking debates within the Air Force about its future. A failed test in March 2023 set back the program, prompting discussions on whether to proceed.Nonetheless, the service decided to complete the prototype testing to benefit future programs, as explained by Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics Andrew Hunter: “While the Air Force does not currently intend to pursue follow-on procurement of ARRW once the prototyping program concludes, there is inherent benefit to completing the all-up round test flights to garner the learning and test data that will help inform future hypersonic programs.”
The aircraft, over half a century old, continues to be a critical asset in long-range strategic bomber missions, receiving regular investments to update its weapons, communications, and other systems to remain competitive in modern warfare.
Air Force Lt. Gen. Dale White, the Military Deputy at the Office of the Assistant Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics, said: “Future ARRW decisions are pending final analysis of all flight test data.” The missile is not currently included in the Air Force’s fiscal year 2025 budget. The future of the ARRW program depends on a thorough analysis of all flight test data, crucial for the trajectory of the USAF’s hypersonic weapons development.
Relevant articles:
– The US Air Force’s oldest bomber fired off a new hypersonic weapon in the Pacific, but the missile’s future is uncertain, Business Insider, 04/29/2024
– Britain to make late entry to hypersonic race – media, azərbaycan24, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 15:26:26 GMT
– UK to develop hypersonic missiles to catch up with China and Russia by 2030 – report, Yahoo News Australia, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 21:16:40 GMT
– Air & Space Forces Magazine, Air & Space Forces Magazine, Sat, 27 Apr 2024 03:27:07 GMT
– UK to develop hypersonic missiles to catch up with China and Russia by 2030 – report, Sky News, Sun, 28 Apr 2024 00:47:03 GMT