The testers at Edwards AFB, Calif., have begun integration testing for the use of the Small Diameter Bomb with the F-22 Raptor. The new stealth fighter can accommodate four SDBs and its BRU-61 carriage in each weapon bay for a total of eight small bombs and two Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles. Boeing flight test engineer Jeff Randolph, heading the SDB program at Edwards, says the 250-pound SDB is more practical for use in urban environments than older larger bombs.
Air Force depots are not typically meant for quick repair jobs, but during Operation Epic Fury, the service moved some of its stateside heavy maintenance capability forward to fix battle-damaged aircraft closer to the fight.
