US B-2 bomber successfully test fires first long-range stealth missile
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Aerospace and defense company Northrop Grumman says the B-2 bomber successfully released a joint air-to-surface standoff missile in December.
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The B-2 Spirit Stealth
A B-2 Spirit strategic bomber has successfully test-fired its first long-range stealth standoff missile, aerospace and defense company Northrop Grumman announced on Thursday.
In a press release, the company said "Northrop Grumman and the US Air Force are continuing enhancements to the B-2 Spirit Stealth bomber fleet providing new capability, including its first long-range stealth missile."
"The B-2 successfully released a Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile - Extended Range (JASSM-ER) during a flight test in December," the release added.
According to the company, the JASSM-ER will extend the B-2 bomber’s ability to hit any target anywhere and its successful integration into the B-2 platform will now allow the Air Force to deliver a low observable asset capable of traveling greater distances than its predecessor.
"JASSM-ER is one of three new advanced capabilities being introduced to the B-2 to further modernize the platform. The B-2 fleet ...is also integrating crypto modernization and a Radar Aided Targeting System (RATS)," the company explained.
Installation of the Radar Aided Targeting System will complete the latest phase of the B-2's nuclear modernization program, mentioned the release.
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