F-35 Fighter Jet Successfully Drops Dual GBU-54 Munitions in Groundbreaking Test – SOFREP News Team
The US Air Force marked a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to enhance its strike capabilities with the successful test of the first-ever dual external release of a GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) from an F-35 aircraft.
This test, conducted by the United Operational Test Team at Edwards Air Force Base, California, last January 30, was a groundbreaking achievement, highlighting the growing synergy between cutting-edge munitions and the US military’s advanced fighter platforms.
The Test: Pushing the Boundaries of Precision Strikes
The test was conducted using an F-35C from the Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, which released two GBU-54 LJDAMs against a remote-controlled high-speed moving target (HSMT).
These bombs, equipped with both GPS and laser guidance, were directed to the target through the F-35’s Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). This system is unique in its integration of forward-looking infrared (FLIR), infrared search and track (IRST), and a combat laser, giving it superior situational awareness over legacy sensor systems.
The test was designed to evaluate not only the weapon’s ability to hit dynamic targets, but also the effectiveness of the F-35’s Stores Management System (SMS), which controls the release of weapons.
The SMS was tested to assess how it managed the rapid release of multiple weapons in quick succession.
The success of this test showcased the F-35’s ability to accurately engage targets in complex, high-stakes environments, underscoring the fighter’s role as a game-changer in modern warfare.
The GBU-54 Laser JDAM: A Precision Game-Changer
The GBU-54 LJDAM, a precision-guided munition, is designed to hit both stationary and moving targets with unparalleled accuracy.
The US Air Force marked a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to enhance its strike capabilities with the successful test of the first-ever dual external release of a GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) from an F-35 aircraft.
This test, conducted by the United Operational Test Team at Edwards Air Force Base, California, last January 30, was a groundbreaking achievement, highlighting the growing synergy between cutting-edge munitions and the US military’s advanced fighter platforms.
The Test: Pushing the Boundaries of Precision Strikes
The test was conducted using an F-35C from the Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron, which released two GBU-54 LJDAMs against a remote-controlled high-speed moving target (HSMT).
These bombs, equipped with both GPS and laser guidance, were directed to the target through the F-35’s Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS). This system is unique in its integration of forward-looking infrared (FLIR), infrared search and track (IRST), and a combat laser, giving it superior situational awareness over legacy sensor systems.
The test was designed to evaluate not only the weapon’s ability to hit dynamic targets, but also the effectiveness of the F-35’s Stores Management System (SMS), which controls the release of weapons.
The SMS was tested to assess how it managed the rapid release of multiple weapons in quick succession.
The success of this test showcased the F-35’s ability to accurately engage targets in complex, high-stakes environments, underscoring the fighter’s role as a game-changer in modern warfare.
The GBU-54 Laser JDAM: A Precision Game-Changer
The GBU-54 LJDAM, a precision-guided munition, is designed to hit both stationary and moving targets with unparalleled accuracy.
GBU-56 Laser JDAMs. (DVIDS)
The bomb is equipped with a laser seeker in addition to its GPS guidance, allowing it to adjust its path mid-flight for a precise strike, even when the target is moving at high speeds.
This dual-mode guidance ensures that the GBU-54 is capable of engaging a wide range of targets, from stationary bunkers to fast-moving vehicles or aircraft, making it an incredibly versatile weapon.
With a length of 93.7 inches (2.3 meters) and a diameter of 17 inches (40 centimeters), the GBU-54 weighs 500 pounds (225 kilograms), making it relatively lightweight while still packing significant destructive power.
After release, the bomb can glide toward its target up to 15 miles (24 kilometers) away, using GPS to guide it before switching to laser guidance for the final strike phase.
This combination of GPS and laser guidance provides the bomb with the flexibility to strike targets with incredible precision, even in challenging or dynamic combat environments.
The F-35: The Perfect Platform for Advanced Munitions
The success of this test underscores the growing capabilities of the F-35 as an air-to-surface strike platform.
The F-35, known for its advanced stealth technology, supersonic speed, and agility, has been increasingly integrated with precision-guided munitions like the GBU-54.
The aircraft’s Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) plays a crucial role in the success of the GBU-54, as it enables the targeting system to lock onto moving targets with laser precision.
This integration of advanced sensors and precision weapons not only improves the F-35’s effectiveness in combat but also enhances the aircraft’s ability to operate in contested environments.
With the dual external release of the GBU-54, the F-35’s flexibility and lethality are amplified, providing US military forces with a potent tool for future combat operations.
What This Means for the US Air Force
The successful test of the dual external release of the GBU-54 LJDAM is a significant step forward for the US Air Force and its ability to conduct precise, rapid strikes in complex combat scenarios.
This achievement highlights the growing integration of advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence-driven decision-making, autonomous systems, and enhanced digital command and control systems, within the Air Force’s strike capabilities.
The combination of precision-guided munitions like the GBU-54 with platforms such as the F-35 ensures that the US military can project force with greater efficiency and precision, even in the most dynamic and contested environments.
F-35C Lightning II (DVIDS)
Furthermore, this test demonstrates the versatility of the F-35, not just as a fighter but as a multi-role strike platform capable of executing a wide variety of missions, from air-to-air combat to deep-strike air-to-ground operations.
As threats in the modern battlefield become more complex, the need for highly capable, versatile strike platforms is more important than ever, and the F-35, with its ability to integrate new weapons and systems, is positioned to meet these challenges.
Final Thoughts
The first-ever dual release of the GBU-54 Laser JDAM from the F-35 is a big win for the US military. By blending cutting-edge weapons with next-gen fighter jets, the Air Force is keeping its edge when it comes to precision strikes.
With the way threats are shifting, the GBU-54 and F-35 are going to be key in keeping air superiority and making sure the military is ready for anything that comes their way.
