In a significant milestone for aerial combat capabilities, the US Air Force successfully executed the first dual external release of a GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition from an F-35 aircraft during a test at Edwards Air Force Base in California. This advancement showcased the aircraft’s sophisticated targeting system as two bombs were deployed against a remote-controlled high-speed moving target.
The GBU-54 relies on the aircraft’s Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS), which incorporates advanced technologies including forward-looking infrared functions and laser targeting. The EOTS enhances situational awareness for pilots and improves the accuracy of GPS and laser-guided munition delivery. The recent test not only validated the munitions’ precision but also provided a critical assessment of the F-35’s Stores Management System, which is responsible for overseeing the aircraft’s arsenal and managing the release of multiple munitions in rapid succession.
The US Air Force emphasized that the successful execution of this test underscores the F-35’s proficiency in engaging targets within complex and dynamic environments, demonstrating how the EOTS contributes to enhanced targeting efficacy.
The GBU-54 itself is designed for precision strikes, capable of effectively targeting both stationary and mobile objects with remarkable accuracy. Measuring 93.7 inches (2.3 meters) in length and 17 inches (40 centimeters) in diameter, the bomb weighs 500 pounds (225 kilograms). After being released from the aircraft, the GBU-54 can glide up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) toward its target using GPS guidance. In its final approach, the bomb utilizes laser guidance to make any necessary adjustments to its flight path, ensuring a direct hit, even against fast-moving targets.
This latest test reinforces the strategic advantages that the F-35 and its advanced munitions bring to the forefront of modern aerial warfare, contributing to the US Air Force’s ongoing commitment to maintaining superiority in complex combat scenarios.
