The Air Force has certified the Small Diameter Bomb is ready to start operational test and evaluation, after a year of development testing by the Air Armament Center, Eglin AFB, Fla. “Team Eglin,” according to Thomas Robillard, director of AAC’s air-to-ground munitions systems wing, rose to a challenge by the Air Force Chief of Staff, enabling the program “to exceed schedule and performance expectations.” Small bomb OT&E will continue until spring 2006. USAF plans to equip F-15E fighters at RAF Lakenheath, Britain, with the first operational SDBs.
When F-35s, F-22s, and F-15s took to the skies over Savannah, Ga., earlier this month, it marked the first time in 19 years the Air Force had hosted William Tell, its prestigious air-to-air competition. The leaders responsible for organizing the fighter meet don’t think it will take anywhere near that long…