The French defense procurement agency (DGA) has simulated launch conditions for its 1,000-kilogram (2,200-pound) bomb by testing it on a two-kilometer (1.2-mile) rail.
The test, conducted in a small town in southwestern France, involved propelling the bomb from one end of the rail to the other, replicating the speed and acceleration it would experience when dropped from a combat aircraft at high altitude.
It also simulated the potential forces acting on the weapon during various stages of its launch.
While unusual, the test provided DGA engineers with critical data on the behavior of high-speed munitions, allowing them to make necessary adjustments.
The DGA did not release further technical details about the bomb used in the trial, but it confirmed the weapon’s potential use in strategic strike missions.
Pushing the Limits
The recent unconventional test is part of France’s broader efforts to refine its testing methods and simulate real-world conditions as accurately as possible.
By pushing the boundaries of its testing capabilities, the DGA aims to ensure its weapons are fully prepared for deployment.
The agency chose the small town of Biscarrosse due to its specialized facilities and secure environment.
In addition to potential design improvements, the feedback gathered will help the DGA determine the optimal conditions for integrating these weapons into aerial platforms.
