Scientists have claimed success with the first in a new series of test flights as part of an effort to upgrade part of America’s nuclear arsenal.
Scientists have claimed success with the first in a new series of test flights as part of an effort to upgrade part of America’s nuclear arsenal.
An F-16 from Nellis Air Force Base dropped an inert B61-12 bomb over the Nevada desert last month to test the weapon’s non-nuclear functions, as well as the plane’s ability to carry the weapon.
With a puff of dust, the mock bomb landed in a dry lake bed at the Tonopah Test Range.
Scientists at Sandia National Laboratories are planning to spend months analysing the data gathered from the test.
Officials say the first production unit of the B61-12, developed under what is called the Life Extension Program, is scheduled to be completed in 2020.
