Worry for China as U.S. tests 500 -Pound Anti-Ship Weapon

The U.S. Air Force has tested a new variant of the QUICKSINK maritime weapon that neutralizes large surface vessels such as aircraft carriers using a modified 500-pound bomb delivered from a B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber.

The weapons which looks to have  been developed with China in mind- the only potential adversary of the U.S. with aircraft carriers and several large warships -should concern Beijing which is on a massive naval expansion spree.

Not hiding its intentions as to who would be at the receiving end of this new weapon, the Air Force Research Laboratory said in a statement, “QUICKSINK underscores the Air Force's commitment to rapidly demonstrate innovative concepts that strengthen U.S. power projection and maintain freedom of navigation in critical waterways.”

The U.S. Navy is conducting “freedom of navigation” patrols in the South China Sea and other waterways claimed by China.

QUICKSINK is a low-cost method for neutralizing surface vessels using a modified, air-delivered munition. A 500-pound variant of the anti-ship weapon was delivered by a B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber during a test at the Eglin Air Force Base Gulf Test Range recently, the AFRL said.

While the 2,000-pound QUICKSINK munition has been successfully employed during the Rim of the Pacific Exercise (RIMPAC) 2024, this new 500-pound variant expands the B-2’s targeting capabilities (bringing larger warships such as aircraft carriers with its reach)  providing combatant commanders with an expanded complement of innovative warfighting solutions.

"QUICKSINK offers an affordable, game-changing solution to rapidly and efficiently sink maritime targets," said Col. Dan Lehoski, 53rd Wing commander. “AFRL’s 500-pound QUICKSINK variant adds options for the warfighter and enhances operational flexibility."

“QUICKSINK is the result of a Joint collaboration that rapidly prototyped an affordable concept for holding surface targets at risk,” said Col. Matthew Caspers, AFRL Munitions Directorate commander.