First-ever dual drop of 500-lb GBU-54 laser-guided bomb

In a groundbreaking achievement, the United Operational Test Team has successfully completed the first-ever dual, external release of the GBU-54 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) from an F-35 aircraft.

This critical test, taken aboard an F-35C from the Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9, was conducted at Edwards Air Force Base in California.

The test sets an important precedent for future air-to-ground strike capabilities.

GBU-54 laser-guided bomb

The GBU-54 is a state-of-the-art precision-guided munition designed to enhance the lethality and effectiveness of the F-35 in complex combat environments.

This weapon combines the capabilities of laser guidance with GPS technology, allowing for highly accurate strikes against both stationary and moving targets.

Its versatility and adaptability make the GBU-54 an essential component of modern military operations, particularly in scenarios involving dynamic and fixed threats.

Cmdr. Michael “Squintz” Procelli, the pilot involved in the test, emphasized the significance of the LJDAM’s integration into the F-35 platform.

“The capability to carry LJDAMs externally will greatly enhance the air-to-surface strike capability of the aircraft,” Procelli stated.

“This weapon delivery event (WDE) expands the Joint Strike Fighter’s tactical flexibility, especially when countering asymmetric threats with a range of kinetic options.”

The recent test focused on the successful deployment of the GBU-54 and aimed to evaluate the F-35’s Stores Management System rigorously.

This sophisticated software manages the various munitions carried onboard, and the test involved releasing two GBU-54s against a remote-controlled High-Speed Moving Target (HSMT).

Such rigorous evaluation is essential for confirming the F-35’s reliability and performance under realistic operational conditions.

F-35 jet

The bombs were directed at their targets using a laser housed within the F-35’s Electro-Optical Targeting System (EOTS).

This advanced sensor suite offers better situational awareness than older sensor pods by integrating infrared search and track capabilities alongside a combat laser, which facilitates precise and efficient targeting of GPS and laser-guided munitions.

Aligning with the mission of the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center, this test featured a joint tactical air controller to simulate a common battlefield scenario.

This collaboration enriches the testing process and provides insights into the operational effectiveness of integrating sophisticated weaponry within a dynamic combat framework.

The successful release of the GBU-54 indicates the F-35’s readiness to tackle various challenges posed on modern battlefields.

This landmark event demonstrates the aircraft’s robust capabilities to engage targets swiftly and accurately, further solidifying its position as a cornerstone of air-to-ground combat strategy for the United States military.

Notably, the GBU-54 LJDAM represents a significant evolution in precision strike technology, marrying the best elements of laser and GPS guidance.

With a weight of approximately 500 pounds, this munition can influence the outcome of engagements in complex scenarios where accuracy and adaptability are paramount.

The successful integration of such munitions into the F-35’s arsenal enhances the aircraft’s lethality and conveys a message of technological superiority on the battlefield.

As developments in military technology continue to evolve, the F-35’s ongoing integration of advanced munitions like the GBU-54 ensures that it remains at the forefront of modern air combat, ready to respond to emerging threats with unmatched precision and efficacy.