The first serial sample of the new B61-12 atomic bomb has been assembled at the Pentex plant in Texas. The ammunition lost its parachute, receiving instead an elongated tail section with rudders for flight correction.
The new version of the bomb will replace three of the four existing modifications of the B61, and its service in the US Air Force will last at least 20 years, the US National Nuclear Safety Administration said in a statement.
- During the modernization, all nuclear and non-nuclear components of the munition were replaced. In addition to the rudders, there is an inertial guidance system in its tail section, which allows the use of weapons from a great height. The bomb is designed for both existing and prospective delivery vehicles," said the head of the department, Jill Hrubi. The charge power is variable: from 0.7 to 170 kilotons.
One of the carriers of the B-61-12 will be an inconspicuous fighter-bomber F-35. Part of the new nuclear arsenal is planned to be deployed in Europe. The United States plans to share the bomb with its NATO allies - however, they will be offered an unmanageable option.
Anton Valagin
