Sandia National Laboratories has announced the completion of the first flight tests of the B61-12 nuclear bomb with the US Air Force (USAF) F-35A Lightning II fighter jet.
It included a mock strike of the B61-12 bomb from the aircraft at Sandia National Laboratories’ Tonopah Test Range in Nevada.
Go deeper with GlobalData
The test was carried out on 25 August, during which a F-35A dropped the B61-12, which contained the non-nuclear and mock nuclear components, from a height of 10,500ft above Tonopah Test Range.
The inert bomb hit the desert floor within the allocated target area around 42 seconds later.
It is the first in a series of tests that will be completed with full weapon systems demonstrations.
Sandia B61-12 systems team manager Steven Samuels said: “We’re showing the B61-12’s larger compatibility and broader versatility for the country’s nuclear deterrent, and we’re doing it in the world of Covid-19.
How well do you really know your competitors?
Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.
Thank you!
Your download email will arrive shortly
Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample
We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form
By GlobalData“We are not slowing down. We’re still moving forward with the B61-12 compatibility activities on different platforms.”
In March, Sandia carried out a B61-12 weapon system demonstration with the F-15E Strike Eagle fighter jet, in collaboration with the National Nuclear Security Administration, Los Alamos National Laboratory and the USAF.
In July, the demonstration was carried out the USAF’s B-2 Spirit bomber.
In 2018, the USAF completed two qualification flight tests of the B61-12 gravity bomb with the Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE / NNSA).
