Overview
- Photos taken on October 29 over Owen Valley, California, show a U.S. Air Force B-52H carrying two unidentified weapons under its right wing.
- Analysis by The Aviationist and other defense commentators says the shapes resemble the AGM-181 Long Range Stand Off Weapon, though the identification remains unverified.
- The bomber displayed orange test markings, and the photographer reported the callsign “Torch,” commonly associated with Edwards Air Force Base, with the aircraft around 4,000–5,000 feet.
- The LRSO is under development to succeed the AGM-86 air-launched cruise missile, with reporting citing ongoing tests and a planned entry into service around 2030.
- Coverage references a W80-4 warhead and a reported adjustable yield of roughly 5 to 150 kilotons, while official confirmation of the photographed weapons and detailed specifications has not been provided.