US Air force tests new ship-killing smart bomb
The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has demonstrated a new low-cost, ship-killing smart bomb in the Gulf of Mexico.
A modified 2,000-pound GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) was launched from an F-15E Strike Eagle, destroying a full-scale surface vessel.
Funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, the recent trial was part of the QUICKSINK Joint Capability Technology Demonstration initiated by the AFRL.
The test was carried out with the cooperation of the 780th Test Squadron (96th Test Wing) and the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron (53rd Wing).
“The QUICKSINK mission was successful thanks to the hours of planning and preparation provided by the entire test team,” Capt. J. Tucker Tipton said. “This was another example of how the 780th Test Squadron supports weapons developmental test customers and helps deliver unique capabilities to the warfighter.”
Additional details were not provided regarding the type of ship sunk by the weapon.
