I would reread
Para. 5 of Post #560 again. Also taken from the
Elgin AB (The
USAF Weapons Test Center and Range. Where we launched our TLAM-C's to targets at that range to validate the operational use of the VLS onboard.)
USAF press release dated
13 Oct. 2020 with the following quote...
"The program plans to begin
fielding on the
Navy’s F/A-18E/F Super Hornet later this year followed by integration on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.
(And as you know,
by extension (NAVAIR) means the
USMC as well.)
SBD II is a
joint-interest Air Force and Navy major acquisition program. The Armament Directorate’s Miniature Munitions Division here serves as the acquisition lead in partnership with Raytheon Missiles and Defense."
https://www.eglin.af.mil/News/Articl...erational-use/
Also at the
very top of the below ref. under topic "
Latest Update from 15 Oct 2020 I again quote...
"
October 15/20: F-15E Operational Flights The US Air Force’s Air Combat Command has approved external link the GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II for F-15E operational flights.
The press release from Eglin Air Force Base says the weapon is expected to be field on the F/A-18E/F later this year. The GBU-53B StormBreaker, which entered operational testing in 2018, is a small diameter bomb that features a multimode seeker to guide the weapon with infrared, millimeter-wave radar and semi-active lasers in addition to or with GPS and inertial system guide. The Air Force’s fielding decision means F-15E squadrons can now be equipped with the weapon. The Navy and Marines
intend to use it on their versions of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter."
So
fielded on the
F/A-18E/F by the end of this year.
And the
USN/USMC also
intends to use it on their respective F-35's (Which as already posted are
not ready.)
https://www.defenseindustrydaily.com...etition-06510/
This should've not been this hard.
Mountains were great!! Had fun and decent weather!! Back at it today to start a
very tough 2 day work week!?!
Regards,
Pat
