The U.S. Air Force and Lockheed Martin have successfully test fired the first ever complete prototype of AGM-183A Air Launched Rapid Response Weapon, commonly known as ARRW.
⌚ Timestamps:
00:00 First successful AGM-183A ARRW full Test
01:36 Design and Capabilities of AGM-183A ARRW
03:09 why hypersonic weapons are important
04:08 previous failures and budget constraints of AGM-183A ARRW
04:58 Previous HAWC successful test
05:39 U.S. recent success in testing hypersonic weapons
The huge milestone was achieved on 9th December when a B-52H bomber of 96th Test Wing launched all-up round AGM-183A Air Launched Hypersonic missile off the coast of Southern California. The hypersonic boost glide vehicle released by the missile achieved the required speed of more than Mach 5 before hitting the designated target. It is the first major accomplishment for the ARRW program which saw frequent failures in earlier tests. The rocket booster of AGM-183A has previously been tested multiple times with first successful test in May this year. Thereafter, three consecutive tests remained unsuccessful. A warning was already issued earlier this week indicating a missile test from the Point Mugu Sea Range, where the previous tests were also conducted. During the testing, Nasa’s WB-57F high altitude research plane, and High Altitude Observatory Gulfstream business Jet were used to monitor the flight path of ARRW.
The AGM-183 is expected to be America’s first air launched hypersonic missile. The AGM-183 ARRW features a rocket booster to achieve the required speed and altitude. After achieving the required altitude, an unpowered hypersonic boost glide vehicle is released towards the target which glides down at hypersonic speed. The high speed maneuverability of the weapon and shallow atmospheric flight path allow in flight erratic course changes, making it impossible for enemy to intercept, track or destroy. The missile is capable to engage high value time sensitive targets even in extremely protected environment, posing a persistent threat for the enemy. The glide vehicle of ARRW is expected to carry some advanced blast fragmentation type warhead for destruction of the target. The kinetic energy of the hypersonic weapons itself can be the major source for required impact. While highlighting the success of the test, Air Force said that ARRW team successfully designed and tested an air launched hypersonic missile after extensive hard work of five years. The Air Force was already engaged with Lockheed Martin for earliest development of ARRW to meet the critical needs of national security.
Earlier this year, the program suffered a major blow when no procurement funds were allocated in the Air Force’s 2023 budget document. The planned procurement of 12 of the missiles was already declined Fiscal year 2022 budget. Despite the recent success, the future of the project still remained unclear. The previous test of AGM-183A which were conducted in April, July, and December last year were remained unsuccessful.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Air Force has also successfully tested the Hypersonic Air Breathing Weapon Concept commonly known as HAWC. The missile is being developed by Lockheed Martin. The first successful test was launched from B-52H bomber. The success of the test was also kept secret for a while. Another similar program is also being run by Northrop Grumman which has also been successfully tested earlier this year.
Earlier this year, the U.S. Air Force and Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency have also successfully tested Hypersonic Air Breathing Weapon Concept. The success of the test was kept in secret for a while to avoid escalations of tensions with Russia. Russia is already extensive using Kinzel Hypersonic missiles against Ukrainian targets.
Hypersonic missiles are capable to travel at speed of more than Mach 5 while conducting midair extreme maneuvers. This makes it impossible for enemy defenses to intercept the missile. The speed and agility of hypersonic missiles enable them to destroy high value targets without detection. The ballistic missiles follow predictable trajectory, therefore are easy to intercept.
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