Hyperschall-Flugkörper

[Schneemann]

After latest flight test failure, US Air Force hopes to keep first hypersonic missile on track for production

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Air Force is in the process of determining the root cause of last week’s failed hypersonic missile test, but the program still has time to push through flight testing and begin production of the new, cutting-edge weapon by the end of fiscal 2022, a program official said Wednesday.

During the second booster flight test of the AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon, which occurred July 28 over Point Mugu Sea Range near southern California, the missile’s engine failed to ignite after the weapon was launched from a B-52 bomber. [...] The Air Force still needs to successfully complete flight testing of the ARRW booster and all-up round before the service awards a contract to manufacturer Lockheed Martin and begins production of the weapon, which is currently targeted for FY22, Collins said. Any lengthy redesign of the missile could cause that date to slip. [...] In its FY22 budget request, the Air Force set aside $161 million to procure the first 12 AGM-183As, which would become the military’s first hypersonic weapon available for operations.

https://www.defensenews.com/air/2021/08/...roduction/

Schneemann.