In this article:
First dual, external GBU-54 release from F-35
The United Operational Test Team conducted the first ever dual, external release of a GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) from an F-35, as the photo in this post show.
As told by 2nd Lt Arthur Knust Graichen and 2nd Lt Jeffrey Brodhecker, Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center Detachment 6, in the article United Operational Test Team conducts first dual, external GBU-54 release, the weapon delivery event was conducted using an F-35C from the Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 Detachment at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
“The capability to carry LJDAMs externally will greatly increase the air-to-surface strike capability of the aircraft,” said Cmdr. Michael “Squintz” Procelli, aircraft pilot. “This WDE expands the Joint Strike Fighter’s flexibility when countering asymmetrical threats with more kinetic options.”
The test was also designed to stress the Stores Management System, the software responsible for managing the weapons loaded on the aircraft and to determine how it reacts to releasing multiple of these weapons in quick succession.
High-Speed Moving Target
Two weapons were employed against a remote controlled High-Speed Moving Target. The bombs were guided to the target via the onboard laser housed inside the F-35’s Electro Optical Targeting System. This is the first sensor suite to combine forward looking infrared, infrared search and track and a combat laser, providing improved situational awareness over legacy sensor pods to deliver GPS and laser-guided munitions.
Consistent with the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center’s responsibility of testing system effectiveness in operationally relevant environments, the weapons were employed on the HSMT with the help of a joint tactical air controller, simulating a common scenario that can be expected on the battlefield.
Testing the safe separation and guidance of the weapon offers valuable insight into the usability of the F-35’s strike capability. The successful completion of this test demonstrates the F-35’s ability to accurately engage targets in a dynamic and challenging environment and highlights the advanced capabilities of the EOTS system.
LJDAM
Boeing’s Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a low-cost guidance kit that is attached to existing unguided free-fall bombs, converting them into satellite guided, precision “smart” weapons. JDAM’s modular design has allowed Boeing to make these smart bombs even “smarter” with the addition of the DSU-38 Laser Sensor. Pilots can now prosecute moving, relocatable and maritime targets with a high degree of accuracy and reliability.
Laser JDAM is combat proven and flexible and can:
- Prosecute moving, relocatable or maritime targets
- Deliver precision weapon effects
- Employ during day or night operations
- Select targeting and weapons effect in the cockpit
- Be easily integrated and installed
GBU-54 integration on the F-35
Laser JDAMs have been proven to be highly accurate against moving targets since impact coordinates are updated in flight. Dropped like a conventional JDAM, it will glide up to 15 miles towards the target using updates from Global Positioning System (GPS) satellites. The weapon will guide itself to the target’s coordinates in terminal flight, using laser energy to correct those coordinates, creating a precise impact – even if the target is maneuvering at highway speeds.
Integration of the laser sensor to JDAM is affordable, field-installable, and virtually risk-free, since no aircraft software modifications are required. It can also be used with other upgrades such as the Extended Range (JDAM ER) wing set that triples JDAM’s range to greater than 40 miles. The DSU-38 Laser sensor has been fully integrated on the 500-lb JDAM, GBU-38 to become the GBU-54. GBU-54 has been extensively combat-proven by the US Air Force, Navy and Marine Corps.
The integration and successful test of the LJDAM on the F-35 marks a key milestone in the continuing effort to fully integrate the LJDAM on all versions of the F-35.
Photo credit: U.S. Air Force
