Nichols Martin June 9, 2020News, Technology

USAF/NNSA

TheNational Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA), under the Department of Energy (DoE), partnered with the U.S. Air Force (USAF) to test the weapon systems of aB61-12modified for extended service life. Two flight tests for theB61-12 Life Extension Program took place in March 2020 at theNevada-basedTonopah Test Range, the Department of Energy said Monday.

USAF and the NNSA demonstrated the aircraft's compatibility with theF-15E during the final weapon system demonstration. The modified B61-12 features a new Boeing-made tail kit assembly. The Air Force plans to replace aging B61 bombers with the new extended-life variant for part of the U.S. nuclear force.

The success of these tests is a major milestone on the path to full rate production and the B61-12s initial operation capability on the F-15E in the coming years, said Brig. Gen. Ty Neuman, principal assistant deputy administrator for military application at the NNSA.

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DOE-USAF Partnership Tests Compatibility, Weapon Systems of Extended B61 Bomber - ExecutiveGov

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