By
Theresa Hitchens on June 03, 2021 at 3:25 PM
WASHINGTON: The novel requirements and acquisition processes being used to develop the B-21 bomber will slash the time it will take to get the Raider to initial operating capability (IOC), Air Force Global Strike Commander Gen. Timothy Ray says.
In a wide ranging interview with Mitchell Institute Dean David Deptula today, Ray also revealed that the Air-Launched Rapid Response Weapon (ARRW) hypersonic missile being developed for the conventional bomber fleet will undertake another flight test next month, after failing the first flight test of its booster in April.
B-21: Fast Forward
As one example of how the new approach is speeding B-21 development, Ray told the Mitchell Institute today he expects integrating the AGM-158/B Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile Extended Range (JASSM-ER) onto the B-21 will be a breeze compared to what it took to fit the B-2 with the ground attack cruise missile.
How F-15s and Stealth F-35s Could Wage War Together
A fourth-generation warning radar, such as the F-15s Eagle Passive Active Warning Survivability System could help enable an F-35 jet to get close to an enemy without having to use its own radar or electronic warfare system.
The Air Force is working to find new ways for the F-35 stealth fighter jet to operate in tandem with heavily armed fourth-generation fighters by taking advantage of its stealth characteristics and electronic warfare attack weapons. This is part of an effort to combine the ability to get “close” to an enemy yet still benefit from weapons available to less-stealthy aircraft armed with heavy weapons on external pylons.
By 1st Lt. Karissa Rodriguez / Published May 25, 2021
F-15EX Eagle II’s from the 40th Flight Test Squadron, 96th Test Wing, and the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron, 53rd Wing, both out of Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, fly in formation during an aerial refueling operation over Northern California. The aircraft participated in the Northern Edge 21 exercise in Alaska earlier in May. (Air Force photo by Ethan Wagner)
U.S. Air Force test pilots assigned to the 53rd Wing from Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., step onto the flight line at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, May 6, 2021, in support of flight operations above the Joint Pacific Alaska Range Complex and Gulf of Alaska during Exercise Northern Edge 2021 (NE21). Navy, Air Force and Marine aircraft executed flight missions during NE21 demonstrating seamless, joint combat capabilities during NE21. Approximately 15,000 U.S. service members are participating in the joint training exercise hosted by U.S. Paci
Northern Edge 21 Wraps Up Achieving Important Testing Goals Of New Capabilities For The Joint Forces
Northern Edge 21 Wraps Up Achieving Important Testing Goals Of New Capabilities For The Joint Forces
A view from the cockpit of the U-2 Dragon Lady as it flies over the USS Roosevelt during Northern Edge 21. (Photo: U.S. Air Force/Beale AFB)
The high-end realistic scenario of Northern Edge 21 allowed testers to assess the behaviour of new systems and upgrades before their fielding to frontline units.
Northern Edge 21, the premier bi-annual joint exercise of the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command, took place this year through May 3 to May 14 in locations in and around Alaska. The exercise, which involved Air Force, Army, Marines and Navy, recreated high-end realistic warfighter training to practice tactics, techniques and procedures and to improve command, control and communication relationships, improving the joint interoperability and enhancing the combat readiness in a large force employ