Aviation
Military /
USA
final tests
F-35 Lighting II is closer to being certified to use the B61-12 nuclear bomb
F35 Lightning II
Public Domain
Rafael Ramos
10/7/2021
The Lockheed Martin F-35 Lighting II could become the first 5th generation fighter certified to use the B61-12 nuclear bomb. The test event was led by a collaborative effort between the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, F-35 Joint Program Office, Sandia National Labs, and various HQ ACC boards.
In the test, two F-35 model aircraft were used. The planes departed Nellis Air Force Base, near Las Vegas, bound for the Tonopah Test Ground, where they dropped B61-12 Joint Test Assemblies (JTAs) bombs with operationally realistic flight envelopes, thus completing the test exercise of final flight for the certification of the nuclear project. This was the B61-12's first launch of an F-35A in highly realistic simulated combat conditions.
“The B-2 bomber was the stealth aircraft with outstanding nuclear capability. Adding 'nuclear capability' to a 5th-generation fighter that already brings several conventional-level capabilities to the table adds strategic-level implications to this jet,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Jackson, head of the strategic deterrence and nuclear integration division of the Air Combat Command headquarters.
Nuclear certification is carried out in stages: first nuclear project certification and then nuclear operational certification. Despite the success of the test, no date for certification of the plane with the bomb was released. However, successful completion of the test is an important part of the path to certification.
The test data is currently under review and review by the Department of Defense and Department of Energy to ensure that the F-35A fighters and B61-12 JTAs are operating correctly.
Lockheed Martin F-35
Image: Public Domain
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Rafael Ramos
Aviation enthusiast from an early age, he had his first contacts with the area developing that good old habit of spending dozens of hours in front of the screens of Micrsoft Flight Simulator and other simulators. With a solid background in various technological areas, including engineering and chemistry, Rafael has rejoined aviation as editor and author of articles and materials on our portal, providing invaluable help to the dynamics and expansion of the website and the aeronautical community, bringing us the news and updates so indispensable for us to remain current in our area of operation.
   
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