The US Air Force successfully launched the hypersonic agm-183a air launched rapid response weapon (arrw) from the b-52h Stratofortress on May 14 local time. It is reported that it has failed three times before. The war in Ukraine and the general intensification of international tensions have brought the arms race of practical hypersonic missiles to a climax, especially in the United States, which has previously focused more on research rather than deployment.
This is not surprising, because hypersonic weapon is a weapon that changes the rules of the game. It will change war in a way never seen since the development of supersonic technology after World War II. Hypersonic weapons are defined as being capable of flying at speeds exceeding Mach 5. They can be deployed at a longer standoff distance, fly at a lower altitude and maneuver in flight, which will be more difficult to detect, intercept or counterattack than current missiles.
The problem is that even after more than 60 years of research, hypersonic flight still faces huge technical obstacles before it becomes a reality. For example, the rated maximum speed of agm-183a is Mach 20, which means that it will withstand extremely high temperature and acceleration pressure, which requires new materials, sensors and electronic equipment and intelligent avionics system that can respond quickly in hostile environment.
In a recent test conducted by the 419th flight test Squadron, the global power bomber joint test force and Lockheed Martin, the missile was thrown from the wing of the B-52. After that, the booster rocket ignites and accelerates the missile glider body to above Mach 5. However, the maximum speed, height and other performance results were not released.
More boosters and full flight tests are planned for this year, and the goal of early combat capability (EOC) is 2023. When fully deployed, the agm-183a will be carried not only by the B-52, but also by small fighters such as F-15 fighters.
Heath Collins, executive officer of the U.S. Air Force weapons program, said: This is a major achievement of the arrw team, weapons enterprises and our air force. The resilience, expertise and commitment of the team are the key to our recent success in overcoming the challenges of the past year. We are ready to continue to promote the development of hypersonic technology on the basis of what we have learned. "