The QS-ER mine marries the concept of a Mk64 underwater mine to that of the GBU-64v1 JDAM Extended Range variant. The resulting weapon is the 2,000-pound QS-ER mine.
A B-52H Stratofortress attached to the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron validated the ability to deploy inert Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) QuickStrike Extended Range (QS-ER) mines from a standoff distance of more than 40 miles off the coast of Kauai, Hawaii at the Pacific Missile Range Facility in early March, 2023, 1st Lt Lindsey Heflin, 53rd Wing, explains in the article 53rd Wing B-52 executes long-range mine test, advancing maritime capabilities in a contested environment.
The QS-ER mine marries the concept of a Mk64 underwater mine to that of the GBU-64v1 JDAM Extended Range variant. The resulting weapon is the 2,000-pound QS-ER mine.
Traditionally mines are employed as unguided gravity weapons, forcing the aircraft to fly at lower altitudes and releasing the mines at multiple intervals rather than single releases. This means the mission cannot be accomplished in a contested waterway without accepting a high level of risk. But the QS-ER program changes this concept completely.
Boeing designs and produces glide kits and associated equipment for the QS-ER.
QS mines are general-purpose bombs retrofitted with JDAM guidance kits plus magnetic, seismic and acoustic sensors, Shephard Media reports. Aircraft drop the mines to settle on the sea floor at depths of 12-61m.
The QS-ER variant for the USN includes a glide kit that enables the mine to be launched from standoff distances of up to 40nm at 35,000ft.
Both the Navy and Air Force have aircraft that can deliver mines, including the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet strike fighter and B-52 Stratofortress heavy bomber. According to Sea Power Magazine, the mine-delivery capability is expected to extend to the Navy’s P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, which has replaced the mining-capable P-3 Orion.
“What’s unique about QS-ER is its range and precision,” said Lt. Col. Matt Spinelli, 49th TES commander. “We can now release in a Launch Acceptability Region at various speeds and altitudes and have the weapon land with incredible accuracy. This reduces the number of weapons needed to affect the mine field and makes the delivery platform more survivable.”
The QS-ER began as a Joint Emergent Operational Need (JEON) in 2015 in an effort to advance aerial mining capability. The 49th TES’ recent test marks the fourth Operational Demo (OD) since QS-ER’s inception. The QS-ER program is pursuing Flight Certification for a 12-store carriage from the B-52H to meet Initial Operational Capability (IOC) in FY24.
“The strategic environment demands we move faster and we in the 53rd Wing are taking that to heart, thinking and executing outside the normal while adhering to test rigor to bring new capability to the warfighter and combatant commanders as fast we can; we aren’t speeding, we are setting new speed limits,” said Spinelli.
The test event was led by a collaborative effort between the Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City Division (NSWC PCD), 53rd Wing, 307th Bomb Wing, and the 780th Test Squadron. This concept aligns with US Indo-Pacific Command’s efforts in advancing maritime capabilities.
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force
