U.S. carries out two flight tests using mock nuclear bombsOctober 7, 2016 - 10:49 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Two surveillance flight tests that used mock B61-7 and B61-11 bombs have been accomplished successfully earlier this month, the U.S. National Nuclear Security Administration (NNSA) has announced, according to RT. JTAs have no nuclear devices inside. Instead, they contain special recorders that gather information on the bomb performance during tests. The sensors and instruments inside the bombs enable the scientists and engineers to track their performance during the flight. Flight-tests are part of qualification process needed to approve modifications to the bomb. The data obtained from the tests is used in a computer simulator developed by Sandia National Laboratories to see how reliable the new systems are and if they function properly. “The B61 is a critical element of the U.S. nuclear triad and the extended deterrent,” said Brigadier-General Michael Lutton, NNSA’s Principal Assistant Deputy Administrator for Military Application. “The recent surveillance flight tests demonstrate NNSA’s commitment to ensure all weapon systems are safe, secure, and effective.” Sandia and Los Alamos national laboratories worked jointly on the B61 assemblies that are manufactured at the Kansas City National Security Campus and assembled at the Pantex Plant in Amarillo, Texas. Top stories Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Moscow on April 22 to hold talks with Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". Partner news | Lemkin Institute petition seeks release of Armenians in Azerbaijan The Lemkin Institute is deeply concerned about the continued illegal detention of political prisoners from Karabakh in Azerbaijan. Armenian Catholicos calls for national unity against threats Karekin II issued a message on Republic Day marking the anniversary of the First Armenian Republic. Pashinyan: Armenia’s desired goal is “on the horizon” Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has said that Armenia is moving forward “without interruption”. Opposition leader, supporters spend night at Sardarapat memorial Police made nearly 300 arrests the day before as Galstanyan and his supporters continued to demonstrate in Yerevan. |