The United States Air Force (USAF) has confirmed that hypersonic missiles will not be bought in fiscal 2024. Instead, the Air Force will continue to focus on research and development of the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), which features a boost-glide hypersonic vehicle. The budget request for the upcoming fiscal year includes $150 million allocated to ARRW R&D.
Photo: USAF
Aside from the ARRW, the request also includes $380 million for R&D on the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM), which is a scramjet-powered hypersonic weapon. In December 2021, Raytheon Technologies was awarded a $985 million contract to continue its HACM development.
According to Maj. Gen. Mike Greiner, the Air Force’s Deputy Assistant Secretary for Budget, discussions will also include a mix of weapons, as both ARRW and HACM are tailored to different types of platforms. The service will analyze the results of the tests and decide on the appropriate mix of hypersonic weapons for the Air Force.
After three failed tests in 2021 and program delays, the ARRW had two successful tests last year, paving the way for all-up-round testing. The service is targeting four all-up-round flight tests in 2024.
For more information, hit the Source below