The March 27 launch of an inert ICBM missile capped off three weeks of near-simultaneous operational testing of Air Force Global Strike Command’s Minuteman III fleet as well as its Air Launched Cruise Missile capabilities, according to a release. B-52s flying from Minot AFB, N.D., carried out three separate ALCM nuclear weapons system evaluation program test flights, in addition to the two ICBM test launches. B-52 crews from Minot closely studied procedures for how to execute a standoff ALCM launch, prior to taking off. Both the ICBM launches and the ALCM test flights followed a “cradle to grave” format, meaning the test incorporated all parts of a live mission personnel and crews could expect to perform in a real-world scenario, helping to validate the safety and reliability of the weapons prior to installing the test equipment, said SSgt. Aaron Ruan of the 705th Munitions Squadron at Minot. AFGSC ran near-simultaneous ICBM and standoff testing events last September, as well. Such testing is one way the command ensures both systems “meet reliability checks and operational standards,” said Maj. Gen. Michael Fortney, AFGSC’s director of operations.
The Space Development Agency says it’s on track to issue its next batch of missile warning and tracking satellite contracts this month after those awards were delayed by the Pentagon’s decision to divert funds from the agency to pay troops during this fall’s prolonged government shutdown.
