The U.S. Air Force has showcased the enhanced lethality of a new 500-lb QUICKSINK maritime weapon, a variant of the service’s air-delivered munition for neutralizing surface vessels.
During a recent live-fire test at the Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber delivered the anti-ship weapon, exhibiting the aircraft’s increased targeting range, the USAF said Wednesday.
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Enhancing USAF’s Operational Flexibility
Col. Dan Lehoski, commander of the Air Force’s 53rd Wing, described the weapon as a “game-changing solution to rapidly and efficiently sink maritime targets.” He added that the new Air Force Research Laboratory version “adds options for the warfighter and enhances operational flexibility.”
Enabling the US to Project Maritime Power
QUICKSINK is designed to provide combatant commanders with expanded warfighting capabilities. It reportedly strengthens the USAF’s counter-maritime deterrence and operations, allowing the service to rapidly address maritime threats worldwide. The weapon also advances efforts by the United States to project maritime power and maintain freedom of navigation in critical waterways.
The QUICKSINK live-fire tests were conducted in coordination with the Air Force Materiel Command’s AFRL and Air Force Test Center and Air Combat Command’s 53rd Wing.
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