Air Force Developing Two Hypersonic Missiles


PrintEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInCopy Link

The U.S. Air Force recently contracted with defense manufacturer Lockheed Martin to develop two new U.S. hypersonic weapon systems. In August 2018, the Air Force awarded $480 million to develop the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), seeking an initial operating capability in late 2021. Designated the AGM-183A , the ARRW is being designed as a hypersonic air-to-surface missile for tactical strike. In April 2018, the Air Force awarded $928 million to rapidly develop the Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon (HCSW), for an IOC of 2022. A hypersonic glide vehicle system meant for long-range strike, the HCSW will use solid-fuel propellant and is at least partially guided through GPS.

PrintEmailFacebookTwitterLinkedInCopy Link

Cite this Page

Shaan Shaikh, "Air Force Developing Two Hypersonic Missiles," Missile Threat, Center for Strategic and International Studies, August 22, 2018, last modified August 22, 2018, https://missilethreat.csis.org/air-force-developing-two-hypersonic-missiles/.