Loading procedures of the AGM-183 ARRW (Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon) on the B-52 bomber have been validated by airmen from the Barksdale Air Force Base.
The ARRW is a hypersonic missile being developed by the United States Air Force. It is designed to be launched from a fighter aircraft and travel at speeds of up to Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound) to engage and destroy high-value targets in enemy territory.
The weapon is now scheduled to be operational as early as fall 2023.
Ways to load and unload the missile on the external pylon of the B-52H bomber were found using trial and error by airmen from the 2nd Maintenance Group, 307th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and civilians from the ARRW and B-52H Stratofortress Systems Programs Office.
The United States has been trying to develop hypersonic weapons as rival China has reportedly tested a number of different hypersonic weapons, including the DF-17. China has been actively developing hypersonic weapons, which are capable of traveling at speeds exceeding five times the speed of sound. These weapons can be used for a variety of purposes, including delivering nuclear payloads and conducting precision strikes on ground targets.
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