SEEK EAGLE Certifications
Abstract
The Air Force operates a variety of combat aircraft that carry numerous and varied stores (munitions, missiles, fuel tanks, targeting pods, range pods, electronic countermeasures pods, etc.). Stores are carried in countless different loading combinations determined by operational and training scenarios, missions, tactics, and weapon development programs. Aircraft stores combinations change as operational plans and tactics change and as new stores are developed and fielded. Before operational, training or test use, the Air Force must certify these configurations for safe loading, carriage, and separation (jettison and normal release); as well as verify ballistics accuracy under the user-certified carriage and employment parameters. The Air Force SEEK EAGLE program completes certification recommendations and recommended flight clearances through any combination of engineering analysis, wind tunnel testing, modeling and simulation, and ground/flight test and evaluation. In support of certification, the program recommends about 1000 aircraft/store combinations for flight each year with analysis and testing, requiring from weeks to years depending on the complexity. Integrated solutions for combat aircrew weapon delivery planning problems are developed and provided to combat forces via Combat Weapons Delivery Software (CWDS). The program is also responsible for inserting new and emerging technologies into the SEEK EAGLE process as well as providing resources for the sustainment of a viable Air Force aircraft/store certification capability. SEEK EAGLE funds are currently budgeted to support certification testing and analysis for new weapons programs (and all new variants) including, but not limited to: Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), Laser Joint Direct Attack Munitions (LJDAM), Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM), Air Intercept Missile (AIM-9X), Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile (AIM-120,AMRAAM), Miniature Air-Launched Decoy (MALD), BRU-57 (Smart Bomb Rack), low collateral damage warhead (BLU-129), Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD), Sniper Targeting Pod with video data link, LITENING Targeting Pod with video data link, laser guided bombs, laser guided Maverick (AGM-65L), F-22 travel pod (MXU-1010), practice bomb (BDU-50), and Aircraft Instrumentation Pod (AN/ASQ-T50). SEEK EAGLE funds are also used to support certification of other inventory stores on CAF and SOCOM aircraft, assist the F-35 JPO with subject matter expertise in the System Development and Demonstration phase (e.g. development of limited organic store certifications capability to support F-35 in the Production, Sustainment, and Follow-on Development phase), continue developing F-22 engineering models/data and obtain follow-on technical support from Lockheed Martin, and to obtain non-inventory stores for post-integration certification requirements. This program is in Budget Activity 7, Operational System Development because this budget activity includes development efforts to upgrade systems that have been fielded or have received approval for full rate production and anticipate production funding in the current or subsequent year.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Project
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 2012
- Source ID
- 674037_0207590F_7_3600_PB_2012
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