Will The Air Force Resurrect Air Launched Rapid Response Hypersonic Missile?

By Kris Osborn, President, Center for Military Modernization

The US Air Force is again preparing to fire off its Air Launched Rapid Response hypersonic attack missile in what could be explained as an effort to preserve or even “resurrect” the weapon.

Following developmental and testing challenges, progress with the ARRW had previously come to a temporary, yet disappointing halt, a development generating speculation that indeed the US may remain behind Russia and China in the realm of air-launched hypersonics.

Not so fast, senior Pentagon and Air Force weapons developers say, as there are several indications that the weapon may indeed emerge as an extremely valuable asset for airwar concepts of operation. The ARRW, senior weapons developers describe, is a hypersonic boost-glide weapon that provides long-range air-to-surface precision guided prompt strike capability from standoff ranges, the Air Force Military Deputy for Acquisition told lawmakers.

“It consists of a Solid-Rocket Motor booster, a protective shroud, and a glider containing a fragmenting warhead,” Lt. Gen. Dale R. White Military Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Air Force (Acquisition, Technology & Logistics), told Congress’ Strategic Forces Subcommittee, according to a transcript of his testimony.

White explained that additional prototype flight tests are coming up, developments which will refine final assembly for the All-Up Round and fire off a full operational prototype of the missile. Many of the specific lessons learns and benefits of recent ARRW testing are not available in a public format for security reasons, White explained, yet he did indicate cause for considerable optimism regarding the future prospects for the weapon.

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