USAF's ARRW latest test not successful. That remains to be seen...
The US Air Force stated that there was a setback in demonstrating its AGM-183A ARRW progress in hypersonic weapons. On 5 April 2021, the first Booster Test Flight (BTF-1) encountered an issue on the aircraft and did not launch. Scramble Magazine reported on 7 March 2021 that the first launch was expected in 30 days.
The B-52H Stratofortress took off for a run over the Point Mugu Sea Range (CA) intending to fire the first booster test vehicle for the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) programme. Instead, the test missile was not able to complete its launch sequence and was safely retained on the aircraft which returned to Edwards AFB (CA).
The ARRW programme has been pushing boundaries since its inception and taking calculated risks to move this important capability forward. While not launching the AGM-183A was disappointing, the recent test provided valuable information to learn from and continue ahead.
This would have been the eighth flight test for the ARRW programme and Edwards's 419th Flight Test Squadron following seven captive carriage missions. Objectives for the latest test would have include demonstrating the safe release of the booster test vehicle from the Stratofortress as well as assessing booster performance, booster-shroud separation, and simulated glider separation.
It is expected that the second ARRW BTF will happen soon. This will be followed by several additional booster and all-up-round test flights by the end of the year. To be continued...
Photos: USAF