what just happened???

[Gidget]

I am curious as to why live bombs are needed. I am not trying to be sarcastic, just informed. Anyone have more info? I tried a google search.

Thanks
G

 

[LuciferSam]

I am curious as to why live bombs are needed. I am not trying to be sarcastic, just informed. Anyone have more info? I tried a google search.

Thanks
G

Probably testing the explosive capability of the bombs themselves, not their ability to drop them.

 

[30ABandMan]

Remember, Eglin's mission is the development of all conventional weapons. Testing the live munition is part of it's development.

 

[Gidget]

Remember, Eglin's mission is the development of all conventional weapons. Testing the live munition is part of it's development.

They certainly seem to test a LOT.

G

 

[Gidget]

Probably testing the explosive capability of the bombs themselves, not their ability to drop them.

Thanks

G

 

[GoodWitch58]

Thanks

G

Gidget, since you are new to the area, you might want to find some time to go over to Eglin and take a tour. They offer them on a frequent basis I think. Check with the Public Affair Office. Eglin is a quite remarkable place; and in area it is the world's largest Air Force Base, much of the testing for everything military is done right here. They are huge on environmental research too and are quite good stewards of the ecology of their reservation lands.

Yes, the noise might be disturbing once in awhile, but I think if you understand what is going on, the positive far outweighs the inconvenience of noise--pretty soon, you will not notice it so much. And, the fact that the Air Force is here, offering many jobs, and preserving many acres of land and water, is a real plus to this area IMO.

 

[Andy A]

Goodwitch58, you have offered a very nice description of Eglin. Thank you and I'm sure Gidget will be comforted by your explaination. As with military jet engines, I consider the bombing noise and shakes, the sounds of freedom.

 

[Gidget]

Gidget, since you are new to the area, you might want to find some time to go over to Eglin and take a tour. They offer them on a frequent basis I think. Check with the Public Affair Office. Eglin is a quite remarkable place; and in area it is the world's largest Air Force Base, much of the testing for everything military is done right here. They are huge on environmental research too and are quite good stewards of the ecology of their reservation lands.

Yes, the noise might be disturbing once in awhile, but I think if you understand what is going on, the positive far outweighs the inconvenience of noise--pretty soon, you will not notice it so much. And, the fact that the Air Force is here, offering many jobs, and preserving many acres of land and water, is a real plus to this area IMO.

Thanks, I've been. Not new to the area so much as I've been coming for 30+ years - just new to living here And I agree having them here is a plus for the area!

I just didn't understand why so many live bombs are tested so frequently. And I ponder the cost.

Doesn't mean I don't support their efforts and all they do. I applaud our our US Military men and women

G

 

[beachmouse]

As the bumper sticker says, it's the sound of freedom and prosperity. The Air Armament Center is effectively the largest high wage-high technical skill employer in the Panhandle. You should have seen the local reaction when the rumor was going around that there was a plan to move some of the AAC functions to Edwards AFB.

In the 3-D chess of regional politics, they're also one of the big reasons why there is no drilling in the Eastern Gulf- the DoD consideres that area to be the Eglin Test Range and doesn't want to have to route their missle tests.

Eglin Air Force Base - Fact Sheet (Printable) : AIR ARMAMENT CENTER

The center plans, directs and conducts test and evaluation of U.S. and allied air armament, navigation and guidance systems, and command and control systems and supports the largest single base mobility commitment in the Air Force. AAC accomplishes its mission through three components - the 46th Test Wing, 96th Air Base Wing, and the 308th Armament Systems Wing.

AAC is the focal point for the acquisition of the world's most superior armament products. The center engages in scientific research, system management, production, operational performance, business management, requirements definition, customer and engineering support, technology planning, materiel identification, and field support activities.

Some of the major programs managed by the center include the Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missile, High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile, HARM Targeting System, Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile, Joint Direct Attack Munition, Miniature Air Launched Decoy, Sensor Fuzed Weapon and the Small Diameter Bomb.