Chase Kohler and Giancarlo Casem
The 412th Test Wing recently tested a new weapons pylon that could remove traditional weapon constraints. Known as the Load Adaptable Modular Pylon, the equipment recently flew attached to a B-1B test aircraft with the 419th Flight Test Squadron.
Designed by The Boeing Company and referred to as the LAM, the unique pylon is designed to carry a variety of standard and emerging weapons with seamless transition, allowing for maximum agility while also strengthening weapon test infrastructure. While the B-1B was chosen due to aircraft availability at Edwards, the LAM can be modified for attachment to a variety of other aircraft if the need were to arise.
The LAM testing is one of several ways teams at Edwards are working with private industry to provide an innovative increase in test infrastructure. The overall test portfolio continues to rapidly increase during an era of Global Power Competition. The project also gives test professionals valuable experience in applying engineering and analysis objectives that could be applied to future programs.
A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron takes off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, Feb. 15, to conduct flight tests on the Load Adaptable Modular pylon. (Air Force photo by James West) 
A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron takes off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, Feb. 15, to conduct flight tests on the Load Adaptable Modular pylon. (Air Force photo by James West) 
A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron takes off from Edwards Air Force Base, California, Feb. 7, to conduct flight tests on the Load Adaptable Modular pylon. (Air Force photo by C.J. Raterman) 
A B-1B Lancer assigned to the 419th Flight Test Squadron conducts flight tests on the Load Adaptable Modular pylon in the skies over California, Feb. 15. (Air Force photo by Richard Gonzales)