The United States conducted a test flight of the B-1B Lancer strategic bomber equipped with a long-range hypersonic ballistic missile of the AGM-183A ARRW type.
This is according to data released by the US Air Force, which published a photograph in this regard.
The American magazine The War Zone noted that this is the first official confirmation that B-1B bombers will be equipped to carry and use these munitions.
It is worth noting that this news came at a time when the US Department of Defense decided to extend the operational life of the B-1B for an additional ten years, i.e., until 2037.
It is worth noting that the Lancer (B-1B) bombers currently in service use AGM-158 JASSM high-precision, low-radar-signature subsonic cruise missiles, and a single aircraft can carry up to 24 such munitions. This weapon was used extensively during the recent aggression against Iran.
In addition to these missiles, the use of B61 thermonuclear bombs, 227-kilogram Mk 82 conventional bombs, the GBU-38 precision bombs developed based on them, and the 910-kilogram GBU-31 bombs is expected.
As for the AGM-183 ARRW hypersonic missile, it was first tested on B-52H Stratofortress bombers. It was intended to have a maximum speed of Mach 20 and a range of 1,600 kilometers. The tests were plagued by setbacks for an extended period; for example, exceeding Mach 5 proved difficult, and there were reports of the project's potential cancellation. However, it appears that work in this direction is still ongoing.
According to the magazine, the B-1B bomber can carry six hypersonic missiles on specially designed external turrets. Pentagon budget documents indicate that "the Hypersonic Technologies Integration Program has successfully demonstrated the ability to carry and drop munitions weighing approximately 5,000 pounds (2.3 tons) from a turret aboard the B-1B."
According to the design data, the AGM-183A ARRW hypersonic missile has a range of 1,000 miles (1,600 kilometers) and a speed exceeding Mach 5 (about 6 times the speed of sound).
