F-35A reaches milestone test with refurbished nuclear gravity bombs

Nellis Air Force Base, Nev. — F-35A Lightning II aircraft recently released B61-12 Joint Test Assemblies during the F-35A’s first Full Weapon System Demonstration, completing the final flight test exercise of the nuclear design certification process.

Once airborne, 53rd Wing test pilots released two B61-12 JTAs from operationally realistic flight envelopes. This event was the first release of the most representative B61-12 test asset from an operationally-representative F-35A.

“The B61 series weapons are tactical gravity nuclear weapons that can be used on Dual Capable Aircraft like the F-15E and F-16C/D,” said Lt. Col. Daniel Jackson, ACC Strategic Deterrence and Nuclear Integration division chief.

“Having a fifth generation DCA fighter aircraft with this capability brings an entirely new strategic-level capability that strengthens our nation’s nuclear deterrence mission.”

The nuclear certification is broken into two phases: nuclear design certification and nuclear operational certification. This test is considered the graduation flight test exercise for the F-35A nuclear design certification and concludes on-aircraft testing for the initial nuclear certification effort.

The Department of Defense and Department of Energy analyze and review the test data to ensure the aircraft and weapon performed correctly throughout all phases of the operation.

“The B-2 bomber was the prominent nuclear capable stealth aircraft,” said Jackson.

“Adding ‘nuclear capable’ to a fifth-gen fighter that already brings several conventional-level capabilities to the table adds strategic-level implication to this jet.”

No date has been released for full F-35A nuclear certification in support of real-world operations. The successful completion of this test covers a critical part of the nuclear certification process and ensures the F-35A will remain on track for future timelines.

Not all aircraft will become nuclear-capable upon full certification in support of real-world operations. Only those units with a nuclear mission will be given the hardware and manpower necessary to configure and maintain nuclear-capable F-35s.

By 1st Lt. Lindsey Heflin, 53rd Wing