New US Bomb, ‘Quicksink,’ Sinks Ship in 20 Seconds in Atlantic Test
NORWEGIAN SEA – A newly developed U.S. bomb, dubbed “Quicksink,” successfully sank a test ship in just 20 seconds during a recent trial in the Norwegian Sea, demonstrating a potential game-changer in naval warfare. The weapon, designed to detonate near rather than directly on a target, generates a powerful shockwave that critically destabilizes vessels.
The test, conducted with the aid of Norwegian allies, showcased the bomb’s effectiveness against a ship-sized target. According to U.S. forces planners, Quicksink is intended as a cost-effective countermeasure to the increasing threat of inexpensive, mass-produced drones and other low-cost naval assets increasingly prevalent in modern conflicts.
The trial involved a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber dropping the 227 kg bomb, escorted by four Norwegian F-35 fighter jets and a Boeing P-8 poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. This marked the first time the U.S. has permitted an allied nation to observe a test of this nature, highlighting the close cooperation between the two countries.
Quicksink comes in both 227 kg and 900 kg variants, and is equipped with an anti-ship guidance system. Both versions are considerably cheaper than traditional heavy torpedoes while achieving a similar effect. A B-2 bomber, typically limited to carrying around 16 conventional heavy bombs, can carry up to 80 of the smaller Quicksink units.
In 2024, B-2 bombers utilized Quicksink to sink two decommissioned landing ships: the USS Dubuque and the USS Tarawa.
