Raytheon says it has successfully tested in flight a new small-sized, precision-guided bomb specifically designed for carriage on remotely piloted aircraft. Raytheon’s Cobra RPA testbed released two Small Tactical Munitions on two separate passes during tests at Yuma Proving Grounds, Ariz., according to a company release. The 13-pound bomb’s Global Positioning System-inertial navigation system guided the weapons to a midcourse position where the STM’s semi-active laser seeker guided them to their targets, “achieving all test objectives,” stated the company. Bob Francois, Raytheon’s vice president of advanced missiles and unmanned systems, said current combat operations “have highlighted the need” for a weapon like STM. At just about two-feet long, STM is the smallest bomb in Raytheon’s weapons portfolio. It is capable of engaging both fixed and moving targets, day or night, in all weather conditions, the company said.
When acting Air Force Secretary Gary A. Ashworth rescinded service-wide “Family Days” last week citing the need to build readiness, he left it up to commanders, directors, and supervisors to decide if they would still permit extra days off. Here’s how Air Force major commands are taking that guidance.