In a demonstration of enhanced maritime lethality, the U.S. Air Force tested a new, more versatile variant of the QUICKSINK maritime weapon, increasing aircraft lethality by expanding its targeting reach.
Air Force Research Laboratory press release
QUICKSINK is a low-cost method for neutralizing surface vessels using a modified, air-delivered munition. A 500-pound variant of the anti-ship weapon was delivered by a B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber during a test at the Eglin Air Force Base Gulf Test Range. This innovative capability provides a rapid response to maritime threats across vast ocean expanses, significantly bolstering the U.S. Air Force’s counter-maritime deterrence and operations.
“QUICKSINK offers an affordable, game-changing solution to rapidly and efficiently sink maritime targets,” said Col. Dan Lehoski, 53rd Wing commander. “AFRL’s 500-pound QUICKSINK variant adds options for the warfighter and enhances operational flexibility.”
While the 2,000-pound QUICKSINK munition has been successfully employed during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2024, this new 500-pound variant expands the B-2’s targeting capabilities, providing combatant commanders with an expanded complement of innovative warfighting solutions.
A collaborative effort between Air Force Materiel Command’s Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) and Air Force Test Center (AFTC), and Air Combat Command’s 53rd Wing enabled execution of the QUICKSINK live-fire tests.
“QUICKSINK is the result of a Joint collaboration that rapidly prototyped an affordable concept for holding surface targets at risk.”
Col. Matthew Caspers, AFRL Munitions Directorate commander.
QUICKSINK underscores the Air Force’s commitment to rapidly demonstrating innovative concepts that strengthen U.S. power projection and maintain freedom of navigation in critical waterways.
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About QUICKSINK
This JCTD uses a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) integrated with the new seeker to rapidly demonstrate the capability at minimal costs. The WOSA seeker also allows the technology to be included in a variety of current and future weapons systems and enables them to engage static and moving maritime targets.
QUICKSINK is not a mine and is intended to have an immediate effect on stationary or moving maritime targets.
On August 26, 2021, the USAF performed an airborne test as part of the QUICKSINK Joint Capability Technology Demonstration, which was supported by three F-15E Strike Eagles carrying JDAM from the 85th Test and Evaluation Squadron. In April 2022, another successful live firing was conducted by the USAF and destroyed the real surface target.
The F-15E crews collaborated with the Air Force Research Laboratory to create and demonstrate novel tactics, techniques, and procedures while using modified 2,000-pound GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munitions against both moving and static marine targets.
You can read our analysis on QUCKSINK here.
