The United States Air Force reported on Monday that it had successfully tested an Air-Launched Hypersonic Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW), which reached speeds up to five times the speed of sound.
The test was carried out by the Air Force on Saturday off the coast of Southern California which involved a B-52 bomber launching the ARRW. The Air Force statement said, "Following separation from the aircraft, the ARRW's booster ignited and burned for the expected duration, achieving hypersonic speeds five times greater than the speed of sound".
The U.S. also successfully carried out a hypersonic test in the middle of March. Hypersonic weapons are very difficult to both track and intercept due to their high speeds and maneuverability.
Brigadier General Heath Collins stated, "This was a major accomplishment by the ARRW team, for the weapon enterprise, and our Air Force".
The test was carried out by the Air Force on Saturday off the coast of Southern California which involved a B-52 bomber launching the ARRW. The Air Force statement said, "Following separation from the aircraft, the ARRW's booster ignited and burned for the expected duration, achieving hypersonic speeds five times greater than the speed of sound".
The U.S. also successfully carried out a hypersonic test in the middle of March. Hypersonic weapons are very difficult to both track and intercept due to their high speeds and maneuverability.
Brigadier General Heath Collins stated, "This was a major accomplishment by the ARRW team, for the weapon enterprise, and our Air Force".