Air Force News, news from Iraq - Air Force Times

Quick Links

http://www.airforcetimes.com/news/2007/10/airforce_sdb_raptor_071002/
news/2007/10/airforce_sdb_raptor_071002

F-22 small-diameter bomb test successful


By Patrick Winn - Staff writer
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.

Darin Russell / Air Force An F-22 Raptor drops a small diameter bomb from its weapons bay during a test mission Sept. 5 over Edwards Air Force Base, Calif. The test marks the first airborne separation of a small diameter bomb from the internal weapons bay of an F-22.

Contests and Promotions

Service Members Of The Year


promo Your Vote Counts!
The nomination period for the 2009 Military Times Service Members of the Year Award is closed? Return here the week of July 9th for the announcement of winners.

Win a Montague Paratrooper® Tactical Folding Mountain Bike


promo Enter To Win...
Win the Grand Prize: Montague Paratrooper® Tactical Folding Mountain Bike. Originally crafted for the U.S. Special Forces. FIRST PRIZE: Leatherman Micra Multi-Tool. 50 Winners!

Marketplace

Military Times Gear Shop


TRU SPEC Fleece Jacket Liner TRU SPEC Fleece Jacket Liner
Due to popular demand the 100% polyester micro fleece jacket liner for the Gen I H20 ECWCS Parka can now be purchased separately. Great by itself, this fleece will be a great addition in colder climates.

Price: $20.99

Military Discounts


Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.

Shoplocal

  Shop Local
Local Online Deals
Find the best deals at your local stores.