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US Air Force tests first smart-weapon launcher for bomber fleet

16 August 2016 01:08 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. As it enhances its arsenal, the US Air Force has conducted the first test of an upgraded B-52 bomber, APA reports quoting sputniknews.

In January, the Pentagon began retrofitting its B-52 Superfortress bombers to release "smart" weapons from its internal bomb bays.

This month, the Air Force used a cruise missile in conducting its first test of the Conventional Rotary Launcher (CRL), dubbed the Joint Attack Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM).

Carried out by the 775th Test Squadron at Edwards Air Force Base in California, the trial was the first of three test phases. Three cruise missiles were dropped from an upgraded B-52H.

This initial trial focused on data collection related to the JASSM’s coordination with the new launcher. The next phase will add live weapons to the test, while the final phase will examine the CRL’s full capabilities.

Carrying bombs inside of the aircraft instead of mounted beneath the wings allows the B-52 to reduce drag and improve flight performance. While the bomber is currently capable of carrying 12 JASSMs externally, the upgrades allow it to hold eight smart bombs internally, in addition to other "dumb" munitions.