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SAR Mapping put to the test in Bomb Hit Assessment

By 1st Lt Savanah Bray, 53rd Wing / Published December 21, 2020

fighter jet refueling
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F-15E from 422nd Test and Evaluation Squadron refuel over the Nevada Test and Training Range on November 17, 2020 for Large Force Test Event 20.03. LFTE 20.03 is a premier joint operational test event hosted by the 53rd Wing that validates tactics in a combat relevant environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by 1st Lt Savanah Bray)

an f-15E
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An F-15E from the 422 Test and Evaluation Squadron prior to taking off for the bomb hit assessment test.

Before and after of a bombed target.
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Before and after of a bombed target.

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NELLIS AIR FORCE BASE, Nev. --

The 422nd Test and Evaluation squadron conducted at Synthetic Aperture Radar Map Bomb Hit Assessment on December 15, 2020.  

During this test, two F-15Es dropped live Joint Direct Attack Munitions, while other weapons systems including F-15Es, F-35s, F-16s, FA-18s, RQ-4, MQ-9, U-2 and joint partners used SAR Mapping technology to assess if the bombs hit and destroyed the intended targets.  

“The objective of the test is to determine our ability and timeline to conduct real time strike assessment using synthetic aperture radar maps,” said Maj Derek Anderson, director of operations, 706th Fighter Squadron. “Synthetic aperture radar maps allow manned and unmanned platforms to image target areas from long ranges and through weather.” 

This test was ultimately designed to find a new way to effectively close the kill chain – confirming destruction of the target. SAR Mapping technology isn’t new technology, but this test puts it to use in a way that can solve an issue for the warfighter in dynamic fights.  

“Operating in Europe or the Pacific we can expect weather and the need to remain beyond the operating range of current electro-optical and infrared sensors due to threats,” said Anderson. “This test helped us develop platform and package level tactics, techniques and procedures that will inform operational and strategic level decisions.” 

Though the test was managed and executed by the 53rd Wing, many of the participating operators were from the U.S. Air Force Reserve’s 926th Wing, showcasing a TFI effort. The test also integrated strategic intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) assets and US Navy fighter aircraft.