StormBreaker smart weapon to be fitted on F-35B Lightning II
An F-35B releases the StormBreaker smart weapon. (Photo: Raytheon Missiles & Defense)
Raytheon Missiles & Defense and the US Navy tested the new StormBreaker missile, demonstrating network capabilities with the F/A-18F Super Hornet.
Raytheon Missiles & Defense together with the USN conducted the first-ever weapon drop of a StormBreaker precision-guided glide bomb from a USMC F-35B Lightning II.
During the test, an F-35B pilot used the network-enabled weapon as a guided munition, following the same method one would use in combat, from mission planning to release.
After the F-35B released the weapon, a nearby F/A-18F Super Hornet monitored the fly-out of the weapon over a common network. The Super Hornet continued monitoring of the weapon until successful impact, showing successful network connectivity capability.
“The weapon’s operational flexibility increases the F-35’s capability and capacity, and it helps limit the time our warfighters spend in harm’s way,” said Alison Howlett, StormBreaker programme director at Raytheon Missiles & Defense.
StormBreaker will continue developmental and operational testing with the F-35B, while the USN will declare IOC for the missile on the Super Hornet after operational testing concludes.
Related Equipment in Defence Insight
More from Air Warfare
-
![Saab partners with Helsing to get AI on Gripen E aircraft]()
Saab partners with Helsing to get AI on Gripen E aircraft
Titled ‘Project Beyond’ the AI systems provided by the partnership will work to enhance the Gripen E fighter’s capabilities, automating other tasks and allowing fighter pilots to focus on accomplishing their missions.
-
![“We need GCAP” to face evolving threats says RAF chief]()
“We need GCAP” to face evolving threats says RAF chief
The UK Royal Air Force’s (RAF’s) chief of the air staff discussed the current state of the RAF and its need to be “match fit” for a changing warfare threat.
-
![UAE receives first additional A330 MRTT]()
UAE receives first additional A330 MRTT
The arrival of this aircraft boosts the UAE’s fleet of tankers up to four, following its order for an additional two aircraft in 2021.
-
![Gray Eagle UAS makes first ship-to-shore journey]()
Gray Eagle UAS makes first ship-to-shore journey
The Gray Eagle short take-off and landing (STOL) UAS has a different engine, wings, control surfaces and landing gear to earlier Gray Eagles, and is a production variant of the demonstrator Mojave UAS.
