USAF completes successful hypersonic vehicle test

The US Air Force has conducted another successful flight test of a hypersonic AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon Booster off the Southern California coast, July 12. The Test was the 12th flight for the program and third release demonstration. The system reached hypersonic speeds and primary and secondary objectives were met, says the USAF.

“This was another important milestone for the Air Force’s first air-launched hypersonic weapon,” said Brig Gen. Heath Collins, Armament Directorate program executive officer. “The test successfully demonstrated booster performance expanding the operational envelope. We have now completed our booster test series and are ready to move forward to all-up-round testing later this year.

ARRW 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.