Innovative Hypersonic Technology

Innovative Hypersonic Technology

Photo B-52 US Air Force
Members of the 36th Expeditionary Aircraft Maintenance Squadron conduct a post-flight inspection on a B-52 Stratofortress after its arrival June 2, 2016, at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam. The aircraft is deployed in support of U.S. Pacific Command’s Continuous Bomber Presence operations. These aircraft and the men and women who fly and support them provide a significant capability that enables U.S. readiness and commitment to deterrence, provides assurances to allies, and strengthens regional security and stability in the Indo-Asia-Pacific region. (U.S. Air Force photo by Airman 1st Class Alexa Ann Henderson/Released)

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The US Air Force is leading the way in air-launched hypersonic weapon prototyping efforts. The Air Force successfully conducted the first flight test of its AGM-183A Air Launched Rapid Response Weapon, or ARRW, on a B-52 Stratofortress aircraft, a long-range, subsonic, jet-powered strategic bomber.

A sensor-only version of the ARRW prototype was carried externally by a B-52 during the test to gather environmental and aircraft handling data.

The test gathered data on drag and vibration impacts on the weapon itself and on the external carriage equipment of the aircraft.

The prototype did not have explosives and it was not released from the B-52 during the flight test. This type of data collection is required for all Air Force weapon systems undergoing development.

The ARRW rapid prototyping effort awarded a contract in August 2018 to Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Orlando, Florida, for critical design review, test and production readiness support to facilitate fielded prototypes.

As one of two rapid prototyping hypersonic efforts, ARRW is set to reach early operational capability by fiscal year 2022, according to hill.af.mil.