The AGM-183A ARRW: the air-launched hypersonic missile
The United States Air Force is developing the AGM-183A ARRW weapon system. This missile is designed for strategic air platforms, such as the legendary bomber B-52 Stratofortress, to launch it from long distances. Its goal is to deliver a conventional warhead at speeds exceeding Mach 5, drastically reducing the time for an adversary to react. 🚀
Two-stage architecture to achieve extreme speeds
The ARRW system consists of two main elements that work in sequence. First, a solid-fuel booster rocket accelerates the assembly to very high speed. Then, this booster detaches and releases the second part: a hypersonic glide vehicle with a flattened wedge shape. This glider is the one that flies autonomously toward the target, maneuvering in the upper atmosphere.
Key features of the system:- Total length: Estimated between six and seven meters.
- Warhead type: Conventional, non-nuclear.
- Flight profile: Air launch, boost ascent, and hypersonic glide phase.
The ability to maneuver at speeds greater than Mach 5 while gliding redefines the concept of rapid precision strike.
The glider: the heart of the penetration capability
The element that defines the ARRW threat is its hypersonic glider. After separating from the booster, this vehicle descends through the atmosphere. Its aerodynamic design allows it to perform unpredictable maneuvers and trajectory changes during flight. This ability complicates the calculations of radar- and interceptor missile-based defense systems to predict its impact point and neutralize it. Flying at high altitude and then gliding gives it an extended range and a very short final flight time.
Operational advantages of the glider:- Defense penetration: Its non-ballistic trajectory and maneuvers make it a difficult target.
- Extended range: The glide phase leverages kinetic energy to cover long distances.
- Rapid response: Reduces the time between detection and impact on the target.