US Air Force efforts to develop the capability to launch cruise missiles and other air-to-ground weapons from non-combat cargo aircraft are proceeding smoothly.

Developed by the Air Force Research Laboratory, Rapid Dragon is a palletized and disposable weapon module that enables unmodified cargo aircraft to deploy flying, typically cruise, munitions.

The program was launched in 2019, and low-level production began in 2022. Full-scale production is expected to start this year.

Washington is recommending Rapid Dragon to allies as a rapid force multiplier.

The program's implementation requires no special infrastructure on the ground, modification of the aircraft or special training of flight or ground crew.

"Any aircraft and crew qualified to execute heavy equipment airdrop would be capable of executing this mission," European Security & Defence reported in March 2023.

Rapid Dragon is a roll-on/roll-off system that involves placing missiles such as the Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) on pallets equipped with sets of parachutes.

The pallets are designed for quick wheeling onto the loading ramp of a transport plane, just like any other cargo.

Once ready for drop-off, the ramp lowers, allowing the pallet to be sucked out of the plane with a drag parachute. Another parachute deploys, orienting the box downward and slowing its descent.

Meanwhile, the missiles begin falling out without interfering with one another, their turbine engines activating in midair.

High-value targets within range

The JASSM is a low-observable air-launched cruise missile launched from stand-off distances, allowing US forces to strike adversaries from outside the reach of their defenses.

Initial production of JASSMs began in 2001, and an extended range version of the missile, the JASSM-ER, first went into service with the Air Force in 2014.

It has a 454kg penetrating warhead and relies on its highly accurate infrared seeker and Global Positioning System and Inertial Navigation System to locate targets.

With a range of up to 925km, JASSM-ER's situated in the Caspian Sea could reach most known Iranian high-value targets.

Rapid Dragon temporarily and cheaply turns unmodified cargo planes, such as the C-17 and C-130, into stand-off bombers capable of mass-launching missiles at land- or sea-based targets.

A C-130J Super Hercules can carry two pallets, enabling the aircraft to fire up to 12 air-launched cruise missiles.

With a maximum payload of 77,519kg, the C-17 Globemaster III can carry 45 JASSMs.

This enormous missile payload would convert the C-17 into a formidable bomber.

Imbuing the US Air Force's sizable cargo aircraft fleet with bomber capabilities grants it tremendous flexibility and additional capacity.