Boeing has developed a new pylon to transfer hypersonic missile tests from the B-52H Stratofortress to the B-1B Lancer supersonic bomber

The US Air Force is using the B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bomber to test hypersonic weapons. Boeing proposes moving the tests to the B-1B Lancer supersonic aircraft.

Here's What We Know

Boeing developed a pylon called the Load Adaptable Modular (LAM) It features one and a half times the payload capacity. The company used its own funds to build it, but budget money is being used to test it. Testing of the pylon is still ongoing. The LAM will not be compatible with either the B-52H or the F-15EX Eagle II, which will also carry hypersonic missiles.

The US Air Force has 76 B-52H Stratofortress strategic bombers in service. Eight of the planes are used for engine, radar and weapons testing. For the foreseeable future another 10-12 bombers will remain in repair, in storage or undergoing modernisation.

Thus, the US Air Force will have only 56-58 aircraft at its disposal. This is a problem for the service, as the B-52H carries out the mission of nuclear deterrence. The B-1B Lancer, on the other hand, has not carried nuclear weapons for a long time, so it could be used for tests instead of the B-52H.

The desire to move hypersonic missile tests to the B-1B was announced by Jennifer Wong, director of the bomber program at Boeing. She spoke to reporters at Tinker Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

Jennifer Wong said the company has built four pylons and will contract for several more in the near future. The US Air Force is using additional congressional funding for hypersonic technology to test and possibly buy more LAMs. An official announcement of the program is expected shortly.

Source: Air & Space Forces Magazine