F-35A drops inert B61-12 nuclear bomb in first of new test series
Sandia National Laboratories has flight-tested a weapons drop of the B61-12 nuclear bomb from an F-35A aircraft.
Honeywell subsidiary Sandia National Laboratories announced on 23 November that it has successfully conducted a mock B61-12 weapons drop from a US Air Force F-35A Lightning II in a flight test that saw the fighter jet launch the bomb from an internal bay faster than the speed of sound.
The demonstration took place on 25 August at the company’s Tonopah Test Range, Nevada, and saw a modified B61-12 with a ‘mock nuclear explosive package’ launched from the F-35A from around 10,500ft, according to Steven Samuels, a manager of Sandia’s B61-12 Systems Team.
Between release and ground impact the weapon was
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
More from Defence Notes
-
![What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow]()
What role could holographic and 3D capabilities play in the warfare of tomorrow
Holographic and 3D technologies have been lauded by some for their ability to provide technical and operational advantages for military training and planning. But is the hype truly justified?
-
![Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme]()
Unfolding the Golden Dome for America: Seven things you should know about the programme
Shephard talked to multiple experts about the most pressing concerns and considerations regarding the air defence system advocated by President Trump.
-
![Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans]()
Industry welcomes UK Strategic Defence Review, but pressure remains on future defence investment plans
While industry reception to the SDR has been positive, questions still remain from analyst and trade associations about what this could mean for future investment and the future UK Defence Industrial Strategy.
-
![UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions]()
UK Strategic Defence Review puts emphasis on autonomy, airpower and munitions
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was launched as one of the first acts of the UK’s new Labour Government in June last year. The review has recommended a major big-picture reform of the country’s forces.
-
![Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details]()
Foreshadowing of UK defence review suggests it is light on programme details
The UK’s Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was designed to answer two questions: What is needed to fix UK defence and make it fit for the 2040s, and what do you get for a fixed financial profile? The SDR outlines that work still needs to be done on specifics.
