Rapid Dragon is a palletized and disposable weapons module which is airdropped in order to deploy flying munitions, typically cruise missiles, from unmodified cargo planes.

The program was established in Dec. 2019, and achieved its first powered flight/live fire of a palletized cruise missile in Dec. 2021 (Eglin AFB). Rapid Dragon has employed palletized cruise missiles on three separate continents (including the EUCOM and INDOPACOM Theaters).

Sep 23, 2023 · Four cruise missiles are dropped out of the back of a U.S. Air Force C-130 in a “Rapid Dragon” missile system pallet drop-and-launch technique. Larger “Rapid Dragon” pallet payloads can be configured for use.

Oct 30, 2020 · During this effort, the US Air Force (USAF) tested the suitability of launching JASSM-ERs from an airlifter. JASSM is a long-range, conventional, air-to-ground, precision standoff missile for the US and allied forces designed to destroy high-value, well-defended, fixed and relocatable targets.

Nov 10, 2022 · Called Rapid Dragon, the roll-on, roll-off system allows the launch of multiple long-range cruise missiles using standard airdrop procedures from the open cargo bay of a transport aircraft. Upon release, the weapon deploys its control surfaces and glides toward its target.

Nov 10, 2022 · An MC-130J Commando II from the 352nd Special Operations Wing airdropped a Rapid Dragon deployment system containing long-range cruise missiles which were sequentially released on a range over...

NUKEMAP is a website for visualizing the effects of nuclear detonations.

Nov 10, 2022 · Rapid Dragon is a palletized weapons module which is airdropped from cargo planes and deploys flying munitions, typically cruise missiles.

Oct 18, 2021 · The data is uploaded to the missiles, then cleared for release. The pallet rolls out the back, dropping by parachute at a safe distance from the C-17, stabilizes and then automatically fires up to 32 JASSM-ERs or other munitions at a target hundreds of miles away.

Dec 17, 2021 · An MC-130J Commando II special operations transport released an unspecified live cruise missile using the prototype system, which subsequently hit a target floating in the …