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.
The Air Force conducted its first test of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile in 2026 on March 3, launching an unarmed missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base, Calif., equipped with two test reentry vehicles at 11:01 p.m. Pacific Time.