F-35C Lightning II successfully tests new StormBreaker guided aerial bomb for which there is no interference
The U.S. Navy successfully tested the StormBreaker guided air bomb by launching it from a fifth-generation F-35 Lightning fighter.
Here's What We Know
The test involved the F-35C deck-based aircraft. It is equipped with reduced wings and tail fins. This allows the fifth-generation fighter to perform maneuvers at low speeds. The aircraft is also equipped with a landing hook.
Raytheon, an aircraft bomb developer, was involved in the test. The manufacturer said the F-35C pilot dropped two StormBreakers during the tests, which were able to reach 1,111 km/h (M=0.9) speed. Raytheon representatives noted that all test objectives were achieved.
Now Raytheon and the Pentagon are planning to test the aerial guided bomb on the US Marine Corps' F-35G Lightning II fighters. Previously, similar tests were conducted on the F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet and F-15E Strike Eagle.
Flashback
The StormBreaker, formerly known as the Small Diameter Bomb III (SDB III) is a 100-kg class aircraft bomb. It has a mass of 113 kg. It has a semi-active laser head, infrared camera and radar. The bomb is capable of destroying moving equipment and static targets up to 70 km and up to 110 km respectively. Moreover, SDB III can hit the target regardless of the level of smoke and weather conditions.
Source: @RaytheonDefense