LGM-182 GBSD

The designation YLGM-182A had been allocated in August 2017 for the forthcoming prototype missiles of the GBSD (Ground Based Strategic Deterrent) program. However, when the name and designation of the missile were officially announced by the U.S. Air Force in 2022, it was called the LGM-35A Sentinel, q.v. for more information on GBSD. No reason was given by the USAF, why an out-of-sequence number was allocated, and why specifically 35 was chosen.

Lockheed Martin AGM-182 HCSW

HCSW (Hypersonic Conventional Strike Weapon) was a U.S. Air Force program for a hypersonic long-range air-launched stand-off weapon. It was to be used by B-52 bombers against fixed and mobile ground targets. Lockheed Martin had received the prime contract in 2018, but the program was cancelled in early 2020, before any flight tests could be conducted. The USAF had decided to concentrate its hypersonic development efforts on the AGM-183 ARRW (Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon), which had a mission profile somewhat similar to HCSW, but was smaller and lighter so that it could potentially also be used by the F-15.

In 2019, the MDS designation AGM-182A Hacksaw was requested for HCSW, even though missile design number 182 had already been allocated to the ongoing GBSD program. The available evidence indicates that the request was approved, and AGM-182A ended up in DOD's master list of MDS designators. This duplication of 182 might be one reason, why the designation for GBSD was changed.

Specifications

For data on GBSD, see LGM-35 Sentinel.

Main Sources

[1] DOD Mission Design Series (MDS) Records

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Last Updated: 22 December 2025