The U.S. Air Force released a short video clip showing a B-1B Lancer bomber carrying an AGM-183A Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) hypersonic missile externally for the first time. The 2-second segment appeared in a longer feature on maintainers, posted to Edwards Air Force Base’s Instagram page on April 29, 2026. It is unclear when the test flight occurred.
The ARRW was mounted on an external pylon in a position previously used for JDAM bomb tests and the Sniper targeting pod. This setup aligns with the Hypersonic Integration Program, which has demonstrated the B-1B’s ability to perform captive carries of 5,000-pound-class stores and release weapon shapes from Load Adaptable Modular (LAM) pylons.
The Air Force’s Fiscal Year 2027 budget request includes $345.7 million for ARRW development, with $1.7 billion allocated through FY2030 for Increment 2 enhancements and a new Air-Launched Ballistic Missile. Boeing, producer of the LAM pylons, notes the B-1B can equip six such pylons on reactivated external hardpoints, potentially carrying two 2,000-pound-class weapons or one 5,000-pound-plus weapon each. The ARRW weighs about 5,000 pounds, suggesting capacity for up to six on one bomber.
ARRW provides offensive, high-speed strike capability against high-value, time-sensitive targets in anti-access/area-denial environments. The FY2026 budget highlighted B-1B use as a hypersonic test bed with LAM pylons.