The AGM-183A is a developmental boost-glide hypersonic missile to provide future, nonnuclear strike against time-sensitive, heavily defended, high-value targets from standoff range.
The missile is designed to accelerate to speeds well in excess of Mach 5 before releasing a non-powered glide vehicle which maneuvers to the intended target.
USAF completed a series of seven captive flight-tests utilizing an instrumented test article on a B-52H at Edwards, culminating in an aborted boost-test in December 2020. An attempted boost test over the Point Mugu Sea test range on April 5, 2021, failed to leave the aircraft. A third attempt on July 28, 2021, proved safe separation and targeting acquisition but the booster failed to ignite.
USAF conducted a series of six ground detonations quantifying the characteristics of the weapon’s warhead in early FY22. ARRW achieved safe separation and booster ignition for the first time on May 14, 2022, attaining Mach 5 after release from a B-52. A second successful launch on July 12 concluded booster testing, paving the way for operational testing. An AGM183 completed the first live-fire test of a full-up weapon on Dec. 9, 2022, successfully flying its planned route before impacting the predetermined target.
USAF conducted three all-up round tests in 2023 including a test in which the shroud failed to separate from the glide vehicle, invalidating terminal performance data. An additional shot achieved proper release, boost, and ascent as well as “nominal” glide vehicle and warhead detonation, followed by a similarly successful over-water shot.
Assessments indicate ARRW is survivable against advanced defenses, though early failures may limit the program’s ability to fully prove its lethality against intended targets. No additional tests are planned after the March 17, 2024, all-up round launch proving the weapon’s land-target engagement capability at Kwajalein Atoll.
USAF is transitioning hypersonic test funding to the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM) planned for flight-testing this year as well as future reusable hypersonic technology. Integration was originally planned for the B-1, B-52, and possibly F-15E/EX pending test results.
AGM-183 ARRW Technical Data
Contractor: Lockheed Martin.
First Flight: May 14, 2022
Delivered: TBD.
IOC: 2022 (planned).
Production: TBD
Inventory: N/A.
Operator: AFMC, Planned: AFGSC.
Unit Location: Edwards AFB, Calif.
Active Variant: •AGM-183A. Developmental prototype hypersonic boost-glide weapon.
Dimensions: Unknown
Weight: Unknown
Propulsion: Solid fuel rocket.
Performance: Mach 5+, range approx. 1,000 miles.
Guidance: Unknown.
Warhead: Boost-glide vehicle with explosive warhead
