EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- A collaborative effort between the 96th Test Wing, the 53rd Wing and the Air Force Research Laboratory enabled the demonstration of a new, more versatile variant of the QUICKSINK maritime weapon.
The 780th Test Squadron led the effort by orchestrating and executing the overall mission with mission partners and coordinating hundreds of moving parts before, during and after the test.
This variant of an anti-ship weapon was delivered by a B-2 Spirit during a test at the Eglin’s Test and Training Complex in April to bolster 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 QUICKSINK munitions have been successfully employed during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise 2024, this new variant expands the B-2’s targeting capabilities, providing combatant commanders with an expanded complement of innovative warfighting solutions.
“QUICKSINK is the result of a Joint collaboration that rapidly prototyped an affordable concept for holding surface targets at risk,” said Col. Matthew Caspers, AFRL Munitions Directorate commander.
QUICKSINK is a low-cost method for neutralizing surface vessels using a modified, air-delivered munition and 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.