Nuclear bomber learned how to launch 900-kilogram JDAM QS-ER bombs with a range of up to 76 km

The US military has tested the ability of the B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bomber to drop inert mines.

Tests took place at the Pacific Missile Range Facility, Hawaii, in early March 2023.

What is known

The ammunition combines the concept of an underwater mineMk64 with Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance kit. The result is a 2,000-pound (900 kg) QuickStrike Extended Range (QS-ER) bomb that can be launched up to 40 nautical miles (76 km) from an altitude of 35,000 feet (10.7 km).

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The B-52H aircraft took part in the tests,owned by the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron (49th Test and Evaluation Squadron). The tests confirmed the ability of a nuclear bomber to launch the QS-ER while remaining at a safe distance.