AGM-183 ARRW Missile

Manufacturer: Lockheed Martin
Category: Missiles & Precision Weapons
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Guidance System INS/GPS
Maximum Speed Estimated Mach 5–20
Launch Compatibility B-52H Stratofortress
Warhead Technology Classified conventional payload

Full Specifications

1. General Information

Name / Designation	AGM-183 ARRW
Type / Role	Air-Launched Hypersonic Boost-Glide Weapon
Country of Origin	United States
Manufacturer	Lockheed Martin
Service Entry / Year Introduced	Development only (Canceled 2023)
Operational Status	Not in Service

2. Performance & Range

Range	Estimated 1,000+ km
Speed	Mach 5–20 (hypersonic)
Ceiling / Altitude Limit	High-altitude boost, low-altitude glide
Accuracy (CEP)	Classified
Warhead Type	Conventional (classified details)

3. Guidance & Targeting

Guidance System	INS/GPS
Targeting Mode	Pre-programmed / Autonomous glide
Launch Platform Compatibility	B-52H (primary)
Seeker Type	Classified

4. Physical Characteristics

Length	Approx. 6 m
Diameter	Classified
Wingspan	N/A (glide body)
Launch Weight	Classified
Propulsion	Solid-fuel rocket booster + hypersonic glide vehicle

5. Warhead & Payload

Warhead Weight	Classified
Explosive Type	Conventional
Detonation Mechanism	Programmed impact
Payload Options	Not disclosed

6. Operational Use & Capabilities

Operational Range Type	Long Range
Deployment Platform	Air
Target Types	Strategic, high-value fixed targets
Combat Proven	No
Users / Operators	United States (development only)

Our Rating

The overall rating is based on review by our experts

Technology 8 / 10
Performance 8 / 10
Maintenance Efficiency 8 / 10
Range & Endurance 8 / 10

PROS

Extremely high hypersonic speed reduces adversary reaction time
Long-range strike potential exceeding 1,000 km
Air-launched flexibility from strategic bombers
Boost-glide architecture designed for high survivability
Contributed major test data for future U.S. hypersonic programs

CONS

Program faced multiple test failures
Never entered operational service
High development and potential unit cost
Classified performance data limits public insight
Requires large bomber platforms for launch

AGM-183 ARRW Hypersonic Boost-Glide Missile

The AGM-183 Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) represents one of the U.S. Air Force’s most ambitious efforts to field a next-generation hypersonic strike capability. Developed by Lockheed Martin, the ARRW program was initiated to deliver an ultra-fast, air-launched weapon capable of penetrating advanced air defenses and striking high-value targets at extreme range. Although the program faced multiple testing challenges and was ultimately discontinued, the missile remains an important milestone in U.S. hypersonic weapons development.

The AGM-183 ARRW Missile uses a boost-glide architecture, in which a solid-fuel rocket booster accelerates the weapon to hypersonic speed—reported to exceed Mach 5 to Mach 20—before releasing a maneuverable glide vehicle that descends toward its target at high velocity. This design aims to reduce adversary reaction time and complicate missile-defense interception.

While official range figures remain classified, defense analysts estimate the ARRW’s reach at over 1,000 km, providing strike options far beyond traditional stand-off weapons. The missile was intended to be integrated primarily with the B-52H Stratofortress, offering a strategic long-range launch platform.

ARRW’s design incorporated advanced thermal protection, precision guidance using INS/GPS navigation, and low-altitude end-phase maneuverability to defeat tracking radars. Although the program was canceled in 2023 after mixed test results, it contributed significant test data shaping future U.S. hypersonic systems, including the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM).

As a high-speed prototype system, ARRW provides valuable insights into U.S. hypersonic development and remains an important reference platform for understanding the evolution of air-launched hypersonic weapons.

AGM-183 ARRW Missile Price

The AGM-183 ARRW was a developmental prototype and never reached full-scale production. Cost estimates vary, but program spending suggests individual missile unit costs would likely have exceeded $15 million per round, depending on configuration and production volume.

FAQs

What is the range of the AGM-183 missile?

The AGM-183 ARRW has no officially published range, as the U.S. Air Force keeps its performance data classified. However, defense analysts estimate its reach at 1,000 km to 1,600 km, based on booster size, glide-body profile, and test parameters. Because ARRW never entered service, its exact operational range remains undisclosed.

What is the ARRW weapon system?

The ARRW (Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon) is a U.S. Air Force hypersonic boost-glide missile developed by Lockheed Martin. It uses a rocket booster to accelerate a glide vehicle to Mach 5+ speeds, enabling rapid, long-range strikes against high-value or time-sensitive targets. Although the program was cancelled in 2023 after multiple test challenges, ARRW remains a key stepping stone in U.S. hypersonic development, contributing data for follow-on systems like the Hypersonic Attack Cruise Missile (HACM).

What are the top 5 best cruise missiles in the world?

Rankings vary by criteria, but most defense analysts commonly include the following as the top five cruise missiles globally based on range, accuracy, survivability, and operational maturity:
Tomahawk Block V (USA) – Long-range land-attack cruise missile with advanced navigation and maritime strike variants.
Kalibr-NK/3M-14 (Russia) – Long-range precision cruise missile used extensively in combat.
JASSM-ER (USA) – Stealthy air-launched cruise missile with 900+ km range and low observable signature.
Storm Shadow/SCALP-EG (UK/France) – Deep-strike cruise missile known for precision and high penetration.
CJ-10 / DH-10 (China) – Ground-launched long-range cruise missile with advanced guidance and extended reach.

What is the fastest AGM missile?

The fastest AGM-series missile associated with U.S. development is the AGM-183 ARRW, designed to exceed Mach 5, with projected speeds potentially reaching Mach 15–20 during the boost-glide phase.
Among operational air-launched missiles, none approach hypersonic speeds; ARRW remains the fastest ever developed under the AGM designation, despite not entering active service.

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