Yesterday, the U.S. Air Force announced the first dual launch of the new GBU-54 LJDAM laser-guided bomb, carried out by an F-35C belonging to the U.S. Navy’s Air Test and Evaluation Squadron 9 Detachment. The event took place at Edwards Air Force Base in California, marking a significant milestone in integrating these bombs into the different variants of the stealth aircraft.
Regarding the tests, Commander Michael Procelli, the F-35C pilot involved in the operation, stated: “The ability to carry LJDAM externally will greatly enhance the aircraft’s air-to-ground strike capability. This WDE expands the Joint Strike Fighter’s flexibility by countering asymmetric threats with more kinetic options.” Additionally, the tests also evaluated the aircraft’s Weapon Management System, particularly in terms of rapidly deploying weapons in succession.
Expanding on details of the launch, the U.S. Air Force reported that both bombs were deployed against a high-speed, remotely controlled moving target, with the F-35’s Electro-Optical Targeting System successfully guiding them. This system combines infrared search and track sensors with a combat laser, reportedly improving weapon guidance over GPS-guided munitions.
As for the known characteristics of the GBU-54 LJDAM system, it was jointly developed by the U.S. Air Force and Navy, with Boeing as the primary contractor. Its first flight took place in 2005, achieving initial operational capability in 2008. Each bomb has an estimated operational range of 15 miles, measures approximately 8 feet in length, and carries a 500-pound Mk 82 explosive warhead (with 2,000-pound variants currently in development). While integration into the F-35 is still underway, the bombs are already deployable from other aircraft in the USAF inventory, such as the F-15E and F-16.
Cover image: U.S. Air Force
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