![]() ![]() “The multi-national test team, including the 416th, was able to work with the weapon developer over the course of the program to improve the JSM in an incremental fashion, which has resulted in a reliable and high-performance missile system,” Drake said. All live releases of the weapon were conducted at the Utah Test and Training Range. Throughout the test program, numerous software and hardware changes and updates were made. ![]() The different variants proved the JSM could sustain extended periods of flight under its own power and successfully navigate over different terrain.Īll variants of the JSM were inert until the final flight test events where it hit a target with full mission systems software and guidance. The next several tests used a version of the JSM that still did not have a warhead, but had a live engine and navigation avionics. The first JSM was a glide-only weapon with an active autopilot, but without a live engine, according to Drake. Testing included multiple variants of the JSM that increased in complexity and capability throughout the course of the program. The JSM missile system was matured and proven with ground testing, captive carriage testing (flight test missions to ensure the weapon would perform its designed functions prior to being released from the aircraft), and live-drop testing to verify the JSM’s ability to safely release from the aircraft and perform its autonomous functions. It made it a lot more efficient and effective to use F-16s to be able to test, mid-cycle, a new type of weapon.”ĭrake said the weapons development program at Edwards AFB began in 2015. “The F-35 is still undergoing its own technology development and design iterations, which brings its own challenges. “The F-16 is a much more proven and mature platform in terms of technology development,” said Collin Drake, 416th FLTS JSM project engineer. Norway is a partner nation in the development of the fifth-generation Joint Strike Fighter.īefore proceeding with integration testing on the F-35A, the JSM was tested at Edwards AFB on F-16 Fighting Falcons from the 416th Flight Test Squadron. The missile can be employed against sea- and land-based targets. The JSM is Norway’s advanced anti-surface warfare missile designed for the new F-35A Lighting II’s internal weapons bay. Air Force engineers, test pilots, and Norwegian government and industry personnel recently completed a large phase of testing for the Joint Strike Missile.
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