StormBreaker smart weapon to be fitted on F-35B Lightning II
An F-35B releases the StormBreaker smart weapon. (Photo: Raytheon Missiles & Defense)
Raytheon Missiles & Defense and the US Navy tested the new StormBreaker missile, demonstrating network capabilities with the F/A-18F Super Hornet.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense together with the USN conducted the first-ever weapon drop of a StormBreaker precision-guided glide bomb from a USMC F-35B Lightning II.
During the test, an F-35B pilot used the network-enabled weapon as a guided munition, following the same method one would use in combat, from mission planning to release.
After the F-35B released the weapon, a nearby F/A-18F Super Hornet monitored the fly-out of the weapon over a common network. The Super Hornet continued monitoring of the weapon until successful impact, showing successful network connectivity capability.
“The weapon’s operational flexibility increases the F-35’s capability and capacity, and it helps limit the time our warfighters spend in harm’s way,” said Alison Howlett, StormBreaker programme director at Raytheon Missiles & Defense.
StormBreaker will continue developmental and operational testing with the F-35B, while the USN will declare IOC for the missile on the Super Hornet after operational testing concludes.
More from Air Warfare
-
![General Atomics Mojave performs live fire tests amid push for FARA replacement]()
General Atomics Mojave performs live fire tests amid push for FARA replacement
During the test the Mojave showcased its capability to act as a sensor, shooter and sustainer, potentially strengthening General Atomics’ pitch towards a FARA replacement.
-
![India could buy nearly 100 new Tejas fighters in biggest ever domestic order]()
India could buy nearly 100 new Tejas fighters in biggest ever domestic order
This procurement would form part of the Indian Air Force’s plan to retire its fleet of MiG-21 fighters and replace them with the indigenous LCA Tejas Mk1As by 2025.
