NLR tests weapons system for Dutch and Danish Air Force

Gestart door jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter), 08/10/2014 | 23:30 uur

jurrien visser (JuVi op Twitter)

NLR tests weapons system for Dutch and Danish Air Force

7 Oct 2014   

In collaboration with Denmark, Sweden, Norway and the United States, NLR recently tested a new weapon system for the Dutch and Danish Air Force.

During the research, the weapon – a Dual mode-weapon (GBU-49), purchased by the Ministry of Defence – was dropped from Dutch and Danish F-16s. This bomb can be both laser-guided and GPS-guided. During the test, conducted at the Vidsel test range in northern Sweden, seven (inert) bombs were dropped on both stationary and moving targets.

When introducing any new weapon system, the Royal Netherlands Air Force (RNLAF) conducts an Operational Test & Evaluation (OT&E) before the weapon can be deployed.

This research program was a continuation of an earlier test series conducted in 2012. At that time the test results were rather disappointing. NLR wrote a report about that trial, and partly based on this report the manufacturer of the weapon system modified the software, whereby the weapon now performs better. These software modifications, and the accuracy of the GBU-49, were tested during the recently concluded event.

NLR was asked to observe from the ground how the bombs fell. For this purpose, various special cameras were positioned near the targets, including a number of cameras capable of detecting the laser spot of the targeting pod. In this way, insights could be gained into how the bomb fell in relation to the direction of the laser given by the aircraft. Moreover, photographs were made of the targets before and after the bombs were dropped. The Vidsel range recorded high-speed video images of most of the impacts. Furthermore, a final score was compiled based on where the bombs had landed. Radar track files were made of the all the bombs' various trajectories.

This Operational Test & Evaluation phase (OT&E) revealed that the weapon functioned properly and can thus be operationally deployed. NLR compiled a report that included the completed OT&E's findings and operational advice about the deployment of the weapon.

http://wp.nlr.nl/en/2014/10/07/nlr-test-wapensysteem-voor-nederlandse-en-deense-luchtmacht/