Public Affairs, Volume 63, Number 54
Serving the community of Edwards Air Force Base California www.edwards.af.mil - www.facebook.com/EdwardsAirForceBase
Aug. 12, 2016
B-52 releases JASSM from internal bay here Success marks another ‘first-ever’ for AFTC
A Joint Attack Surface Standoff Missile separates from the internal bay of a B-52 over Edwards range. This was the first time a JASSM was released from the internal weapoans bay of the aircraft. (U.S. Air Force image by Christian Turner)
By Christopher Ball 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Team Edwards accomplished another first recently by executing a clean separation of three Joint Attack Surface Standoff Missiles, or JASSMs, from the internal weapons bay of a B-52 Stratofortress here. The aircraft has long been capable of carrying JASSMs on its wing pylons, but this is the first time they have been successfully released from Conventional Rotary Launcher in the internal bay. “That was a first-ever for the B-52, and is also going to be another amazing enhancement in B-52 combat capability for Global Strike,” said Brig. Gen. Carl Schaefer, 412th Test Wing commander, who flew the F-16 photo chase plane for the JASSM mission. “I got to chase the first-ever JASSM drop from the internal weapons bay of the B-52. We dropped it right here on the range at Edwards.” The venerable bomber could carry up to 12 JASSMs on its wing pylons, said Jose Estrada, a weapons integration engineer with the 775th Test Squadron. Integration of CRL in internal weapons bay adds a capability of carrying eight more missiles in the aircraft, increasing the B-52’s
JASSM payload by more than 60 percent. The previous, or legacy, launcher used in the B-52 internal bay was the Common Strategic Rotary Launcher. This launcher was only capable of carrying unguided munitions, or “dumb bombs.” Another benefit to carrying weapons internally is it creates less drag on the aircraft, increasing fuel efficiency. Brian Pinto, also a weapons integration engineer with the 775th, added that “For long range operations, this means less drag. Estrada said. “The aircraft can fly further and faster and still return to base after the mission.” Although the release of the missiles was the milestone, the missiles weren’t the main focus of the testing, Estrada said.
“The CRL is really what we’re looking at. We’ve already validated the [Joint Directed Attack Munition], now we’re working the JASSM. The next step is the [Miniature Air Launch Decoy].” Earl Johnson, the test project manager, said this separation test was part of the first of three phases, and primarily focused on data collection. “We accomplished fit checks, making sure the weapons had clearance, within the weapons bay, while rotating on the CRL, demonstrated a clean separation of the weapon in flight, and made sure everything was done safely,” he said. The next phase – the interim phase – will include more of the same testing, but with the addition of live weapons. And the third phase will validate the CLR system’s full capability.
412th MDG NCO ready for ‘outstanding’ journey
By Kenji Thuloweit 412th Test Wing Public Affairs
Last month, the Air Force announced that one of Edwards AFB’s very own is one of 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2016. In the entire Air Force, Staff Sergeant Raquel Caramanno is one of the 12 best. Each year, dozens of exceptional Airmen across the Air Force are nominated and Caramanno, NCOIC of Medical Readiness for the 412th Medical Group, was selected through a competitive process based upon leadership, job performance, self-improvement, personal achievements and community involvement. “Being selected as one of the 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year is an absolute honor and a humbling experience. It is an amazing feeling to be recognized for all of the hard work and commitment I’ve dedicated toward my career in support of the AF mission.” The sergeant is responsible for the wartime readiness of all members assigned to the 412th Medical Group. As the unit deployment manager, she prepares members for every stage of deployment and assists in their transition back home. Additionally, it is her responsibility to train 17 medical contingency response teams and manage the $1.1 million in War Reserve Materiel. Caramanno hails from Staten Island, New York City. She joined the Air Force in 2012 and will have completed four years of service this November. She has spent three-and-a-half years of her career at Edwards. From the moment she entered the military she has always strived for excellence. “Receiving this award is a direct reflection of the amazing leadership I have had during my time here at Edwards AFB. Without their mentorship
Staff Sgt. Raquel Caramanno is one of 12 Outstanding Airmen of the Year for 2016. (U.S. Air Force photo by Christopher Ball)
and dedication towards my success, I would not be the Airman I am today.” Caramanno credits her mentor, Chief Master Sgt. Anthony Soto, 412th MDG superintendent, for her achievement. “His selfless dedication ensured my accomplishments were recognized and for that I am truly thankful.” “Taking care of Airmen is the most important thing we do as leaders,” said Soto. “Staff Sgt. Caramanno was nominated because of her exceptional character, performance and professionalism. Simply stated, she leads See Caramanno, Page 3