The US has tested a new nuclear bomb guidance system for its B-2 Spirit stealth bomber. Called the Radar Aided Targeting System (RATS), the system was tried out on 14/06 at the Test Zone in Tonopah, Nevada, not far from the infamous Area 51.
Second the US Air Force (USAF), the RATS was only tested on the B-2. For the test, a B-2 launched a B61-12 tactical nuclear test bomb (t Test Assembly). The system was created to improve bomb guidance accuracy in a degraded GPS environment.
“We have flown several missions testing the new RATS capability over the past nine months and have collected test points on its performance”, said Captain David Durham, B-2 weapons flight commander with the 72nd Test and Evaluation Squadron (72nd TES). “Using the RATS to launch the JTA demonstrated what the new capability brings to the warfighter. This test was also the first production unit launch of the B61-12 JTA.”
A software tool designed in-house by 72nd TES was also flight-tested. Known as the RATS Application Tool, it provides pilots with an early indicator of RATS functionality by ing that the system is functioning correctly prior to launching the weapon.
“This tool has opened the door to rapid and innovative software development in of the B-2”, said Sgt. Matthew Gibson, lead developer of 72sd TES analysis software. “Due to the success of this product, we have received orders to build tooling for other in-flight capabilities for the 509th Bomb Wing and 325th Weapons Squadron.”
Future launches of the B61-12 JTA nuclear bombs will be conducted during annual Weapons System Assessment Program flight tests as part of Department of Energy/National Nuclear Security istration and Department of Defense surveillance tests.
“Modernization is at the forefront of our minds as we plan and execute each of these tests,” said Lieutenant Colonel Aaron Young, commander of the 72nd TES. “Developing this tactic and creating the innovative software tool speaks to the dedication and ingenuity of this team. They are focused on equipping the fighter for today's fight.”
The test event was led by a collaborative effort between the 72nd TES, the 509th BW, Air Force Global Strike Command, Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Boeing Company and Sandia National Labs.
