Led by the 7th Bomb Wing, the validation and verification event focused on process improvement and critical pre-flight procedures. The work covered both aircraft and weapons software using updated hardware.
During the event, teams successfully connected a live AGM-158C LRASM to the bomber. The connection was made using a locally fabricated cable designed to increase efficiency for future verifications.
The specialized cable was generated using U.S. Navy specifications. It was fabricated specifically for the test by 7th Bomb Wing weapons backshop Airmen.
“This event was a critical step forward in validating our procedures and proving our capability on the ground,” said the 7th BW weapons officer. “By utilizing a live AGM-158C connected via an extended cable—which was fabricated and tested entirely by our own weapons back-shop Airmen—we successfully verified rapid process integration, both new aircraft and missile software, as well as gathered invaluable data to sharpen current procedures, all while supporting future combat readiness.”
Connecting a live standoff munition to the bomber’s systems without loading it into the weapons bay required coordination across multiple squadrons. The Air Force said the event helped establish baseline data and improve process efficiencies for future weapons integration work.
The goal is to enhance the B-1B fleet’s maritime strike and network-enabled weapon capabilities. The event also supported broader efforts to accelerate integration of advanced long-range standoff strike systems.
“USAF LRASM Event Zero marks a major milestone for Dyess and the B-1B Lancer fleet, paving the way for the rapid validation of advanced long-range standoff strike capabilities in the years to come,” said a 7th BW LRASM subject matter expert. “The ability of Dyess Airmen to fabricate this cable, which was then used to successfully connect the missile, and conduct testing locally is a huge testament to their skill and proves the adaptability of our teams.”
LRASM is a semi-autonomous, precision-guided anti-ship standoff missile. It is designed to penetrate sophisticated enemy air defense systems and defeat maritime targets from outside direct counter-fire ranges.
The missile carries a 1,000-pound penetrating blast fragmentation warhead. It uses advanced self-directed sensing and signature control to approach and defeat maritime targets.
The B-1B Lancer has been at the forefront of LRASM employment. It became the first platform to achieve early operational capability with LRASM in 2018 and now supports joint maritime strike missions.
The successful execution of Event Zero underscored close collaboration between the U.S. Air Force and the U.S. Navy’s Precision Strike Weapons program office under the Program Acquisition Executive for Munitions. The Air Force said such tests help ensure seamless cross-service integration as both services pursue next-generation standoff capabilities.
U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Sturgill, 7th Bomb Wing and installation commander, said the event showed the value of skilled and innovative personnel. “Our true asymmetric advantage isn’t found in the B-1’s steel and software, it is rooted in our skilled, innovative, and highly motivated Airmen,” said U.S. Air Force Col. Robert Sturgill, 7th BW and installation commander.
“On the flightline and in our weapons shops, these professionals look past legacy blueprints to design and implement ideas that push weapon system capacity and capabilities far beyond original limits. By stepping boldly into the space of what is possible, our force ensures our Wing and Global Strike remain lethal, adaptable, and unmatched.”
