New Version of Nuclear Weapon Closer to US and NATO Readiness

The US Air Force and Department of Energy National Nuclear Security Administration have recently completed developmental testing of the B61-12 tactical and strategic nuclear bomb version.The program office for the bomb said the 27-month testing programme was completed in just 11 months,yet with 100 percent success on all 31 bomb drops executed.Now the bomb version enters initial operational testing and evaluation.
In the summer of 2018,a B-2A Spirit bomber dropped two inert B61-12 bombs at Nellis AFB, Nevada.The tests were the start of a technicial reset of the B-2A for advanced warfighting requirements, including improved digital weapons integration; more computer processing power; next generation sensors.With a range of 6,000 nautical miles, the B-2A has flown combat missions in Iraq,Libya and Afghanistan.Now it is being readied for service in Anti-access/Area-denial scenarios against near-peer adversaries such as Russia and China.*
Sandia National Laboratories and Los Alamos National Laboratory did the design and engineering of the B61-12.
The bomb has the first digital interface of the series.One of the bombs can execute any of the missions intended by the Air Force and NATO:
Earth-penetrating attack;
Low-yield and high-yield attack;
Above surface detonation;
Bunker buster option.*
The Air Force intends to certify the B61-12 on the following aircraft:
B-2A Spirit bomber;
F-15E Strike Eagle fighter;
F-16 C,D and MLU variants;



F-35 Lightning II Joint Strike Fighter;
B-21 Raider bomber;
PA 200 Tornado fighter.
The new version is part of a Life Extension Program for the bomb.A total of 400 bombs are to be refitted, extending their lives by 20 years.*
The B61-12 is designed for NATO use.Currently the Allies Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Turkey participate in the dual key arrangement with the US, providing personnel, storage and aircraft for the Alliance's nuclear deterrent.*
The first production unit of the B61-12 is slated for completion in March 2020, with full run completion by 2025.The updated weapon will include improved safety, security, reliability and accuracy, the Air Force said.*
Boeing provides the B61-12 guided tail-kit.*
Boeing (BA)