A test B-52 airframe recently demonstrated the new Conventional Rotary Launcher designed to drop joint direct attack munitions from the Stratofortress. Crews flying from Edwards AFB, Calif., are testing the new internal rotary launcher to place MIL-STD-1760 weapons, which previously had to be placed on external pylons because the Common Strategic Rotary Launcher in use in the B-52 could only carry gravity nuclear weapons, nuclear Air-Launched Cruise Missile, and the Conventional Air-Launched Cruise Missile, according to an Edwards release. After successful demonstration of JDAMs, test crews will now evaluate the use of Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missiles and Miniature Air-Launched-Decoy Variants.
While the Space Force is still making long-term plans to establish high-fidelity live and virtual test and training ranges in the coming years, officials say they're also working with operators to identify near-term gaps and quickly field capabilities to address them.
