A series of failures is pursuing the American hypersonic missile development program. Yesterday, December 20, the portal thedrive.com He reported that the third consecutive flight tests of the AGM-183A ammunition failed.
"The launch sequence was interrupted before the separation of the rocket from the mount due to an unknown problem. The rocket will return to the factory, and the analysis of telemetry and onboard data will begin immediately. The program will strive to resume flight tests as soon as possible," said Brigadier General Heath Collins, head of the US Air Force weapons Program.
B-52 with AGM-183A missiles
Image source: janes.com
During the first test, the AGM-183A missile failed to separate from the B-52 Stratofortress aircraft. On the second attempt, the rocket engine did not start. At the same time, the planing combat module itself successfully passed the "exams".
The AGM-183A hypersonic missile is being developed as part of the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) program. This is the second hypersonic weapons development program that the US Air Force has commissioned Lockheed Martin. Earlier, the US Department of Defense signed a contract with her for the development of Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon (HCSW) cruise missiles.
The characteristics of the AGM-183A are still a secret, while the US military department indicates that the ARRW program will be based on the latest achievements obtained during the development of the Agency for Advanced Defense Projects (DARPA).
