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.
Aircraft readiness will suffer if Congress does not approve some $1.5 billion worth of spare parts the Air Force requested in its annual Unfunded Priorities List, sent to Capitol Hill last week, Chief of Staff Gen. David W. Allvin said.