news/2007/10/airforce_sdb_raptor_071002
F-22 small-diameter bomb test successful
Posted : Wednesday Oct 3, 2007 7:41:42 EDT
EDWARDS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. — The F-22 Raptor has reached a new milestone, successfully dropping a smaller, faster bomb that can be stored internally to maintain the fighter jet’s stealth.
Pending the success of more challenging test drops, the small-diameter bomb will be added to the F-22, enabling the jet to quadruple its weapons load. It has storage capacity for eight small-diameter bombs, two advanced medium-range air-to-air missiles and two heat-seeking AIM Sidewinder missiles.
It’s now cleared to fly with two Joint Direct Attack Munitions, larger-caliber smart bombs, said Maj. Jack Fischer, a 411th Flight Test Squadron pilot. Allowing the F-22 to carry smaller bombs increases its range considerably, he said. “The (small-diameter bomb) envelope will be the highest and fastest of currently fielded Air Force weapons.”
The F-22 was designed primarily for air-to-air superiority, not air-to-ground superiority. Still, no aircraft can release a supersonic weapon from an internal weapons bay, Fischer said. The F-22 will attempt to drop laser-guided small-diameter bombs in future tests.
“We have to learn how much we can get away with while inducing loads on an aircraft that wasn’t designed to carry bombs at first,” said Bill Kuhlemeier, a Lockheed Martin chief flight test engineer.
Contests and Promotions
Service Members Of The Year
Nominate Someone Today!
Know someone with whom you are proud to serve? Nominate them for a 2010 Military Times Service Members of the Year Award.
Win The Military Times Fitness Package Sweeptakes
ENTER TO WIN...The Fitness Package includes a Bowflex Classic Home Gym, a push-up and pull-up bar and more to keep you fit and active. Click here for more info.
Marketplace
Mil-Mall
Hooah! ButtonCreated by an active duty soldier, the Hooah! button is a must-have for anyone who wants to spread the Hooah!
Military Discounts
Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.






