Air Force Conducts First Successful Hypersonic Test

The U.S. Air Force has successfully test-fired the first operational prototype of its new hypersonic missile, reports Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

On Dec. 9, a B-52H Stratofortress successfully launched an AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) all-up round at the Point Mugu Sea Range off the coast of Southern California.

The was the first test of a fully operational prototype missile, the base said in a release.

After release, the ARRW accelerated to Mach 5 and successfully flew its planned course and detonated in the terminal area. All indications were that all test objectives were met, officials said.

Previous tests having focused exclusively on the ARRW's rocket booster or ended in failure, noted the War Zone website.