Eglin's 40th FLTS and 85th TES achieve several milestones
On 19 February 2021, the 40th Flight Test Squadron successfully dropped four bombs for the second Golden Horde test mission near Holloman AFB (NM). This latest test, carried out by an Eglin AFB (FL) based F-16D Fighting Falcon, provided a proof of concept for collaborative autonomous weapons.
USAF's Golden Horde programme is a developing technology that could use to turn precision-guided munitions, such as GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs), into networked glide bomb swarms.
The Golden Horde programme with the 40th FLTS SDB flights is an important step on the path to future Networked Collaborative Weapon systems valuable to serve warfighting commanders on the ground. Recently, the 40th FLTS was also involved in testing the new Stormbreaker SDB. Read our news item on Eglin's Red Devils of 14 October 2020.
On 22 February 2021, the 40th FLTS, under the auspices of the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, successfully flew a F-15E Strike Eagle carrying six Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAMs) on a single side of the aircraft showcasing a proof of concept for Agile Combat Employment, also known as ACE. Currently, the F-15E is authorised to carry a maximum of nine JDAMs, but the success of this latest test expands that to fifteen JDAMs. The Strike Eagle can now carry enough JDAMs for an active combat mission, land at a remote and austere location, and reload itself and/or another aircraft.
Acting as a "Bombtruck", it was stated that both the F-35A Lightning II and the F-22A Raptor could be reloaded by the F-15E for additional ACE combat sorties. While not all the JDAMs carried can be employed in a single mission, this proves the Strike Eagle’s ability to ferry JDAMs while simultaneously releasing them on an active combat mission. This being a key component to the ACE model.
The combat tactic of reloading in a remote location previously took two Lockheed Hercules transporters to carry the necessary munitions and personnel. Once at the location, the JDAMs had to be assembled, taking extra time. The additional carriage on the F-15E allows fully assembled JDAMs to be transported, reducing the requirement to just one C-130 and saving eliminating onsite bomb building. While Eglin's 40th FLTS and 85th TES are ensuring the readiness and lethality of the Strike Eagle’s tactics, the operational 366th Fighter Wing recently practiced the ACE model at Agile Flag 21-1 as we wrote on 12 November 2020.
Photos: USAF / patches: https://flightlineinsignia.com/