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 Shaw F-16s are poised to lead the way into a new chapter of F-16 combat capability with the base’s recent introduction to the Joint Standoff Weapon. The JSOW employs a global positioning system-aided guidance system to a family of low-cost, air-to-ground weapons. The glide weapon has an inherent range capability that satisfies the stand-off requirements for attacking targets from outside enemy point defenses during day, night, and adverse weather conditions. Shaw’s F-16s will be the first Air Force fighters with the capability to employ JSOW and to take advantage of its capabilities.
 “This system comes along at a time when concerns over collateral damage and risk to aircrew concerns are at a premium," said Maj. David Hlatky, weapons officer at the 20th FW. "JSOW’s incredibly precise guidance system will give pilots pinpoint accuracy and the ability to engage the target from well outside enemy air defenses." Shaw pilots and maintainers began training on the new system in April, well ahead of schedule. "We are getting this technology five or six months earlier than we planned," Hlatky said. "Test squadrons across the United States have picked up the workload to finish testing in about a month’s time."
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