Air Force Hypersonic Flight Test Fails

For the second time, the U.S. Air Force attempted a flight test of its Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon hypersonic missile (ARRW) and for the second time, it failed. “The missile cleanly separated from the aircraft and successfully demonstrated the full release sequence including GPS acquisition, umbilical disconnect and power transfer from the aircraft to the missile,” Air Force said in a press release on July 28, reported the War Zone. “The missile also demonstrated fin operation and de-confliction maneuvers which ensures a safe operation for the aircrew. Following the safe separation maneuvers, the rocket motor did not ignite.” This follows a flight test failure in April when the missile didn’t even separate from the B-52 carrier aircraft.