Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, MD -- June 12, 2002. The NAVAIR ATFLIR team celebrated more good news on June 11 as the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division, China Lake, was the site for the first GBU-24B/B delivery guided by an ATFLIR on an F/A-18D Hornet. While the range of the shot remains classified, the performance (i.e. direct hit) wowed the evaluators.

Said Lt. Cdr. Dave "Scoop" Swenson, ATFLIR Project Officer, F/A-18 Advanced Weapons Lab, VX-31, "Bomb impact was exactly on the aim point, exactly on the spot, exactly on the target, with high order detonation. All in all, a very smooth evolution."

Scoop went on to comment, "The weapon and pilot were provided by VX-9 and the aircraft, the ATFLIR, the range and the WSO were provided by VX-31. This is a great way to do business, as both organizations were able to be involved in the planning, execution, and analysis." Piloting the F/A-18D Hornet was Lt. Mike "Siep" Siepert from VX-9 and in the backseat was Weapon System Officer Lt. Cdr. Swenson.

ATFLIR will provide Early Operational Capability (EOC) with VFA-115, an F/A-18E squadron when they cruise later this year, utilizing engineering development model assets. ATFLIR will IOC in May 03.

For more information, contact Denise Deon Wilson, F/A-18 Public Affairs, NAVAIR, 301-481-6263 or Doris G. Lance, External Communications, NAVAIR Weapons Division China Lake/Point Mugu, 760-939-4587.

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