Air Force officials at Edwards AFB, Calif., recently launched a 1,000-pound Joint Direct Attack Munition from an F-22 (let’s use the new terminology) flying at supersonic speed. It was the first test in which the Raptor actually dropped a JDAM with its guidance system in place to take it to a target. Earlier JDAM tests have demonstrated weapon separation only. Maj. John Teichert, 411th Flight Test Squadron test pilot, says the new capability was not in the original test plan. He said that once the F-22 achieved the subsonic air-to-ground capability, USAF leaders decided to press on to provide “increased tactical options.” USAF plans more tests in the supersonic realm—dropping munitions from higher altitudes and greater speeds.
The Air Force plans to finalize an acquisition strategy for its new Looking Glass nuclear command, control, and communications program by September—part of a prelude to a significant increase in the service’s NC3 spending in the coming years.