Air International 2017-01
M.Ayton - Testing the Combat Edge /Military/
F-22 91-4009/ED releases a GBU-31 JDAM; the first air-to-surface weapon cleared for operational use on the Raptor.
F-22 91-4009/ED releases four GBU-39 test vehicles over the Pacific Sea Test Range off the coast of southern California. This was the first four-bomb ripple release of GBU-39s undertaken as part of the Increment 3.2A test programme.
The first guided launch of the AIM-9X Sidewinder from an F-22 Raptor was made on February 26, 2015, by Major Christopher Guarente, from the 411th Flight Test Squadron based at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
The AIM-9 Sidewinder air-to-air missile has been carried by F-22s since the type’s initial operational capability declaration in December 2005. Today the 411th Flight Test Squadron is testing the AIM-9X version which features jet vane control.
Seven F-22 Raptors parked on the 411th Flight Test Squadron flight line on August 10, 2016. Interestingly, the aircraft third in from the camera, F-22 07-4132/ED, is shown with an external weapon load comprising a single AIM-9X Sidewinder and a single AIM-120D AMRAAM carried on a guided missile launcher fitted to the left wing underwing pylon.
The 411th Flight Test Squadron is currently conducting missile launches of the D-model of the AIM-120 AMRAAM missile as part of the Increment 3.2B test programme.