Strike Eagle can carry 15 JDAMs

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla – A February mission here has demonstrated that the Strike Eagle can now carry enough JDAMs for an active combat mission, land, reload itself and/or another aircraft such as an F-35 or F-22 for additional combat sorties.

The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a “bolt-on” guidance kit that converts unguided gravity bombs, or “dumb bombs,” into all-weather precision-guided munitions.

The 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron successfully flew an F-15E Strike Eagle carrying six JDAMs on a single side of the aircraft potentially expanding the number of the bombs the aircraft can carry to 15.

The flight showcased a proof of concept for Agile Combat Employment, known as “ACE.” Its goal is the ability to quickly operate in forward locations with a smaller footprint.