US conducted tests of new hypersonic cruise missile
The US conducted tests of a hypersonic cruise missile (photo: media.defense.gov)
The US Air Force has conducted successful tests of the AGM-183 ARRW air-launched hypersonic cruise missile in the Pacific Ocean, according to Reuters.
During the tests, a B-52 bomber left the island of Guam in the Pacific Ocean and launched a hypersonic cruise missile. The US Air Force called the tests successful but did not disclose the missile's maximum speed or flight range.
In previous tests, the AGM-183 ARRW missile reached speeds five times faster than the speed of sound (1191 km/h). The missile is manufactured by Lockheed Martin.
US develops hypersonic missiles
President Joe Biden previously invoked the Defense Production Act to expand the base for developing, testing, and manufacturing new hypersonic weapon systems.
Shortly thereafter, the US Navy awarded Lockheed Martin a contract worth nearly $2 billion for installing hypersonic weapons on destroyers.
It is reported that the first successful launch of the AGM-183A missile took place in late 2022. However, in March 2023, the tests failed.
On August 19, 2023, a new test launch of the AGM-183 ARRW missile was conducted. As a result, valuable information about its capabilities was obtained by the military and developers.
