The US Air Force's (USAF) B-52 Stratofortress jet-powered strategic bomber has successfully dropped PDU-5/B leaflet bombs from the external heavy stores adapter beam.

During two successful sorties conducted by the USAF’s 419th Flight Test Squadron (FLTS), the bomber dropped a total of 16 bombs over the Point Mugu Sea Test Range and Precision Impact Range Area on Edwards Air Force Base, California, US.

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The Stratofortress air vehicle manager Kevin Thorn said: “We are primarily looking to see safe separation from the external heavy stores adapter beam.

“We are ensuring that the bombs do not contact the aircraft, and/or each other, creating an unsafe condition. Additionally, we are tracking the reliability of the bomb functioning.”

According to the USAF, the PDU-5/B is a new-use or variant of an older Cluster Bomb Unit, and original designation for the weapon was the MK-20 Rockeye II, SUU-76B/B, and/or CBU-99/100.

The PDU-5/B canisters are capable of delivering more than 60,000 leaflets.

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"The PDU-5/B canisters are capable of delivering more than 60,000 leaflets."

The dispenser bomb can be dropped from helicopters and fighter jets, and now the 419th FTS is testing if the B-52 fleet can be used as well.

B-52 PDU-5/B project manager Earl Johnson said: “The PDU-5/B is just another tool that the B-52 uses in its vast and reliable toolbox.

“Without the capability to carry PDU-5s on the B-52 aircraft, the impending shortfall on leaflet dispersal capability will jeopardise Air Force Central Command information operations.”

The USAF also plans to test PDU-5/B releases from the B-52’s internal weapons bay in the future.

Image: A B-52 Stratofortress assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron flies with eight PDU-5/B leaflet bombs connected to an external Heavy Stores Adapter Beam. Photo: courtesy of the USAF.