F-35 Makes History with First Dual-Engine Drop of New Laser-Guided Bomb

The United Operational Test Team of the US military has achieved a groundbreaking advancement, with an F-35 fighter jet successfully completing a test by dual-launching two new GBU-54 LJDAM laser-guided bombs for the first time.

At the Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 Detachment at Edwards Air Force Base in California, an F-35C fighter jet accomplished this critical test, setting an important precedent for future air-to-ground strike capabilities.

The GBU-54 LJDAM is a weapon jointly developed by the US Air Force and Navy, combining laser-guided components with the existing GPS/INS navigation system of the 500-pound GBU-38 JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition).

On Thursday, the US Air Force stated in a press release that the GBU-54 is a precision-guided bomb that integrates laser-guidance capabilities with GPS technology, enabling precise strikes on both stationary and moving ground targets, serving as a valuable addition to the F-35’s air-to-ground armory. The successful integration and testing of GBU-54 LJDAM on the F-35 represent a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to fully incorporate LJDAM across all F-35 variants.

The GBU-54 aims to enhance the F-35 fighter jet’s lethality and operational effectiveness in complex combat environments. Its versatility and adaptability make it a crucial component of modern military operations, especially when dealing with dynamic and fixed threats.

Colonel Michael “Squintz” Procelli, one of the F-35 pilots involved in the testing, stated in the press release, “The capability to carry LJDAM externally significantly enhances the aircraft’s air-to-ground strike capability.”

“This Weapon Delivery Event (WDE) expands the flexibility of the Joint Strike Fighter in addressing asymmetric threats, providing it with more kinetic options,” he said.

The press release mentioned that the two bombs were utilized to engage a remote high-speed moving target, guided to the target by the F-35’s Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS) internal mounted laser. This marks the first suite that combines forward-looking infrared, infrared search and track, and combat lasers with traditional sensor pods, providing better situational awareness and the ability to launch GPS and laser-guided munitions.

This test, conducted with the assistance of Joint Tactical Air Controllers (JTAC), aligns with the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center’s responsibility to assess system effectiveness in combat-related environments. It simulated common battlefield scenarios involving the use of these weapons against high-speed moving targets.

The successful launch of the GBU-54 demonstrates that the F-35 is ready to confront various challenges on today’s modern battlefield. This milestone event showcases the F-35’s powerful capability to rapidly and accurately strike targets, further solidifying its position as a cornerstone of the US military’s air-to-ground combat strategy.

The GBU-54 LJDAM represents a significant evolution in precision strike technology, blending the best elements of laser and GPS guidance. Weighing approximately 500 pounds, this ammunition can influence engagement outcomes in highly demanding complex battlefield scenarios that require precision and adaptability.

Integrating such ammunition into the F-35’s arsenal enhances the aircraft’s lethality and communicates a message of technological superiority on the battlefield.

The F-35 fighter jet, produced by Lockheed Martin, remains the most powerful multi-role combat aircraft in service today, designed to accommodate various weapon loads for different missions. Essentially, this means that the aircraft, specially designed for air-to-air and air-to-ground targets, can conduct large-scale aerial attacks based on its circumstances. Different weapon configurations aim to adapt to a range of tactical scenarios.

The F-35 fighter jet features an internal weapons bay to engage in attacks while maintaining stealth. However, if a full-scale attack is required, the F-35 missile external mounting “Beast Mode” will be activated.