Navy Completes Solid Rocket Motor Tests of Hypersonic Weapon

The Navy has concluded testing of the second stage solid rocket motor for its Conventional Prompt Strike program.

According to a statement by the Navy, the test marked the successful testing of both stages of the service’s newly developed missile booster.

The development of the hypersonic weapon falls under a larger Department of Defense program called the Common Hypersonic Glide Body, Breaking Defense reported Thursday.

Efforts under CHGB will result in a common weapon for use by the Navy and Army in sea and land-based operations. After the Navy completes the design process for CHGB, the Army is expected to take over its production.

While these services are making headway in their hypersonic weapon development, the Air Force faced another setback during the second booster flight test of its AGM-183A Air-launched Rapid Response Weapon. 

During the test, which occurred on July 28 over Point Mugu Sea Range near southern California, the ARRW missile’s engine failed to ignite upon launching from a B-52 Stratofortress bomber.

The Air Force also fell short during the first rocket booster test of the ARRW weapon in early April due to problems in its launch sequence.

Officials said they are working on identifying what went wrong in the recent test. Brig. Gen. Heath Collins, the Air Force’s program executive officer for weapons, told reporters that a potential redesign of the missile could affect the service’s ability to meet the next test window. 

Tests have to be completed before prime contractor Lockheed Martin can begin ARRW production in fiscal year 2022.