Air Force (Air Force) The US dropped a mock-up of a nuclear bomb as part of the tests. The F-35A fighter-bombers used a test version of the B61-12 bomb at the Tonopah proving ground in Nevada. This is reported by The Drive.
During the tests, two F-35A aircraft dropped test modifications of the B61-12 bomb. The new ammunition from the B61 series received an inertial navigation system and a new tail. The bomb can also be used on F-15E and F-16C/D aircraft.
The Drive writes that the details of the tests are classified. It is known that the aircraft used high-precision non-nuclear models of the B61-12 bomb. Two resets were carried out at different heights and speeds. The tests, which took place at the end of September, became the final stage of flight tests of the new ammunition.
The results of the tests will be evaluated by the US Department of Defense and the US Department of Energy. The specialists of the departments will have to confirm the compliance of the B61-12 and F-35A with safety requirements.
The new bomb was planned to be used on the F-35 by 2022, but later representatives of the US Air Force said that the B61-12 tests would be completed later. The authors of The Drive suggested that until then, F-16C/D fighters based in Europe will receive new ammunition.
Earlier, the US Air Force tested an F-15E fighter with a B-61-12 bomb. Then it was reported that this aircraft would become the first certified carrier of the new ammunition.
Daniil Irinin
