The F-35A is the first fifth generation fighter to near certification as a
nuclear-capable platform after completing the first full weapon system
demonstration in completing the nuclear design certification process.
During the demonstration, two F-35s dropped B-6112 joint test assemblies
which mimic a real-world tactical gravity nuclear weapon at the tanopa test
range in Nevada.
It makes our potential adversaries think more about their
game plan before launching it, air combat command deputy director for
strategic deterrence lieutenant colonel douglas a Cabell told air force
magazine.
It can get closer to further inside a combat area that may otherwise be
impossible for non-stealth assets, Cabell added.
Air combat command's 422nd and 59th test in evaluation squadrons based at
nellis air force base nev, flew the final flight test exercise for the
aircraft to receive nuclear design certification.
Test data is now under review at the department of defense and department of
energy to ensure the F-35A and B-6112 jtas performed correctly.
The next
step is nuclear operational certification to ensure training and validation
of maintenance and air crews at desired wing locations where nuclear-capable
F-35 missions exist.
Approval would mean the united states has a fighter capable of hitting
targets with tactical nuclear weapons inside hostile territory without
detection.
What happened was for the first time, an operationally representative F-35
aircraft executed a drop of A/B 612 joint test assembly, which is basically
exactly like a B-61 that comes out of the nuclear stockpile without the
physics package in it, the part that makes it go, boom cable explained.
It can get closer and with a gravity type of weapon, the closer you can get
to your actual target, the more likely it is you're going to hit it.
Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Jackson Headquarters ACC Strategic Deterrence and
Nuclear Integration Division Chief said the b-61 series weapons can be used
on other dual-capable aircraft such as the F-15E and F-16C/D.
The F-35s used for the jta test required two major hardware component
modifications to take on the nuclear weapon, a nuclear consent switch in the
cockpit and a mission select switch in the weapon bay.
"The switch has to be in a certain position for the aircraft to recognize
that it's a new capable type of configuration," Jackson said of the mission
select switch which must be engaged on the ground.
"There is kind of an extra added safety measure i would say," added to the
jet as well.
The nuclear certification process is broken into two phases nuclear design
certification in nuclear operational certification.
This test conducted is considered the graduation flight test exercise for
the F-35A's nuclear design certification. Jackson said that right now, the
B-2 bomber is the air force's only nuclear-capable stealth aircraft.
However once certified not every F-35 will become nuclear-capable, Cabell
said.
At the end of the day once the aircraft is designed certified it still has
to be operationally certified, he said, that will be done at the location,
the operational wing that has the mission to utilize this.
The two ACC officers declined to disclose a timeline or location for the
operationally certified aircraft but indicated it would come soon. there
will be an initial design certification here in the not too distant future,
Cabell said.
Then follow on after that is the operational certification which completes
the process, making the F-35 a fully certified dual capable aircraft and
that capability is one that now we can put in the hands of the combatant
commanders.
