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...