Raytheon announced the successful completion of a warhead and guidance system test for its Pyros small tactical munition, a 13.5-pound bomb meant for carriage on small-sized remotely piloted aircraft. The recent end-to-end test at Yuma Proving Ground, Ariz., validated the weapon’s guidance modes, height-of-burst sensor, electronic safe-and-arm device, and multi-effects warhead, according to the company’s release. “All systems functioned perfectly,” said Tom Bussing, Raytheon’s vice president of advanced missile systems. “This test demonstrated the technical maturity of Pyros,” he added. The next step is “to complete ongoing integration work on fielded platforms and prepare for production,” he said. During the test, a Raytheon Cobra RPA deployed the 22-inch-long Pyros against simulated insurgents planting an improvised explosive device, states the release, dated Aug. 7. (See also Mini Bomb a Verified Hit.)
The six-week government shutdown did not affect the hours flown by Air Force pilots, a service spokesperson told Air & Space Forces Magazine—avoiding what could have been a major blow at a time when flying hours are already lower than they have been in decades.
