The Department of Energy’s National Nuclear Security Administration (DOE/NNSA) and U.S. Air Force completed two qualification flight tests of B61-12 gravity bombs August 8 at Tonopah Test Range in Nevada.
The non-nuclear test assemblies, which were dropped from an F-15E based at Nellis Air Force Base, evaluated the weapon’s non-nuclear functions and the aircraft’s capability to deliver the weapon.
These tests are part of a series over the next three years to qualify the B61-12 for service. The first qualification flight test occurred in March.
"The B61-12 life extension program is progressing on schedule to meet national security requirements. These realistic flight qualification tests validate the design of the B61-12 when it comes to system performance," the acting NNSA deputy administrator for Defense Programs, Phil Calbos, said.
