A photo taken over Owens Valley on Oct. 29 revealed a B‑52 carrying an LRSO missile, prompting commentary from Trump about nuclear weapon trials.
Photo of B‑52 Over Owens Valley
The image, captured by Instagram user Ian Recchio on Oct. 29, shows a B‑52 bomber with two large missiles hovering low over the Owens Valley near the Edwards Air Force Base.
The valley’s key U.S. military research sites, including the Edwards base and the Nellis Air Force Range, makes it a common location for testing advanced aircraft and weapons.
Details of the LRSO Missile
The missile, designed as a Long‑Range Stand‑Off weapon, carries a thermonuclear warhead and incorporates stealth technology to evade detection.
The LRSO is intended for delivery by strategic bombers such as the B‑21 and B‑52, launched beyond the reach of enemy air defenses.
Geopolitical Backdrop: Trump and Putin
Trump’s brief post on social media urged the Pentagon to “resume nuclear weapon trials,” following a series of public statements by Putin glorifying new strategic systems.
While the LRSO’s public unveiling preceded Trump’s comment, the timing aligns with a broader U.S. display of military readiness amid rising tensions with China and Russia.
Development Timeline of the LRSO System
Initial work on the LRSO began in 2012, was paused for budgetary reasons, and was re‑initiated in 2017 with funding from Raytheon and Lockheed Martin.
Testing milestones include nine launch attempts by the end of 2022, with the system passing performance verification in 2023. The first production missile is scheduled for 2027.
Strategic Deployment and Future Production
The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire about 1,000 LRSO missiles, estimated at $14 million each, to serve for several decades as a core component of the U.S. nuclear triad.
Speculated ranges exceed 2,400 km, allowing strikes on high‑value targets beyond the envelope of Chinese and Russian air defenses.