US Army deploys first LRHW hypersonic weapon division with a launch range of more than 2,775 km and a speed of 6,174 km/h

While the US Air Force abandoned the AGM-183A ARRW airborne hypersonic weapon project, the US Army successfully deployed the first Long-Range Hypersonic Weapon (LRWH) division. This happened in late winter, but has only now been officially announced.

Here's What We Know

The first ground-based hypersonic weapon division has been deployed to Cape Canaveral where it is being tested. US troops are in active training before the LRHW battery goes on combat duty.

The deployment of the hypersonic weapon was a multi-service effort. The U.S. Army Pacific, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, U.S. Strategic Command and the Army Rapid Capabilities and Critical Technologies Office were involved.

U.S. troops have practiced real-world missions with real data in real time to improve combat readiness. Brigadier General Bernard Harrington made the announcement.

LRHW is a joint development between the US Army and the US Navy. The first launchers were received two years ago. The US Army has requested $944 million from Congress for continued development of hypersonic weapons for fiscal year 2024, and $157 million for procurement.

The LRHW hypersonic missile has a maximum flight speed of Mach 5 (6174 km/h) and a launch range of over 2775 km, which means it is a medium-range weapon. The launcher is located on the Oshkosh HEMTT A4 M983A4 chassis, which is also used in Patriot surface-to-air missile systems.

It is worth noting that LRHW missiles are not designed to carry nuclear warheads. This was deliberately done so that the US Army could use hypersonic weapons without restriction in the event of conflict.

Source: US Army