The article at the link below doesn't mention where the weapon release test took place, but these are typically done at China Lake NAS just north of Edwards AFB in Central California. The data are being reviewed at Pax River, so it may have taken place there instead. What I find most interesting about this test is that the weapon used in this first-ever F-35 bomb release was so big. The military staple over the last 30 years has been the 500-pound Mk-82, including many guided and unguided variants. The SDB, as smaller and lighter weapon, was specifically designed for internal carriage in stealth aircraft like the F-35. I've got to wonder what motivated the Navy to start by clearing a 1000-pounder. There's a message here, but I'm not sure what it is. If I remember correctly, the 1000-pound weapon was a favorite of the F-117. Are we going back to that? Any theories?
http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/08/12/4176530/f-35-drops-its-first-test-bomb.html
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