Tag: SDB
Drones Double Weapon Loadout with Laser-SDB
The U.S. Air Force is planning to increase the weapon loadout on its MQ-9 drones by integrating Guided Bomb Unit-39B/B, also known as laser small diameter bomb (LSDB) onto the drone. The weapon is integrated into the vehicle using a dual carriage system, controlled via universal armament interface. The Reaper currently carries the GBU-12 250 pound Laser Guided Bomb, in addition to Hellfire missiles, both are limited to short range attack patterns.
A View to a Kill – AC-130 Gunship Style
New helmet sights to be introduced on U.S. Air Force AC-130W Stinger II gunships in the next two years will improve situational awareness and...
Israel to Replenish the IAF Aerial Ordnance, Requests U.S. Arms Package...
Israel plans to replenish its aerial ordnance stocks with the procurement of thousands of US made warheads and guidance kits worth over $1.8 Billion. The State Department published a request for Congress approval for this acquisition. The package includes several types of GPS and laser guided munitions, missiles and deep target penetrating bombs shells that can defeat deeply buried targets.
Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GL-SDB) tested in Sweden
Boeing and the Saab Group have conducted a feasibility test launching a Small Diameter Bomb (SDB I) GPS guided aerial bomb from coupled to an M-26 rocket launched from an MLRS rocket launcher. The Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) allows the artillery system to reach targets from significantly longer distances, and engage hard-to-reach targets, while maintaining the Small Diameter Bomb’s flight maneuverability and accuracy.
SDB II comlpetes development phase by engaging moving targets with live...
Raytheon Company and the U.S. Air Force completed two successful Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) all-up round live fire test flights that demonstrated the weapon's ability to detect, track and destroy moving targets. The flight tests that took place at the White Sands Missile Test Range, were the final flight events required prior to Milestone C and the start of Low Rate Initial Production (LRIP).
Enhanced Payload Supports Real-Time Targeting for Geo-Targeted Weapons
The Raytheon Company and General Atomics have integrated an advanced targeting capability into the U.S. Army's Common Sensor Payload (CSP) airborne intelligence, surveillance and...
Italian Tornados Prepared for New Weapons
Panavia, the European consortium responsible for the multinational Tornado program has been awarded a contract introducing the AGM-88E (AARGM) and GBU-39 (small Diameter Bomb) weapons to the Tornado Strike Fighter platform, addressing the Italian Air Force long term upgrading plan.
Future Fires to Focus on Precision, Clean Weapons
In recent years the role of armaments and weapons in military exhibitions is diminishing, reflecting the diminishing role of kinetic effects and the complex public perception as to their role in modern asymmetric warfare. Hence, the armaments and munitions presented at AUSA and the Modern Day Marine Expo emphasized focused precision effect and low collateral damage as outstanding qualities. This reflected the concern of manufacturers and users alike to those issues.
Operational F-22 Raptor Drops GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs for First Time
US Air Force F-22 Raptors performed the first operational deployment of GBU-39 air/ground weapon dropping Small Diameter Bombs (SDB) during exercise Combat Hammer.
The High Cost of Precision Attack
Depleting stocks of Precision Guided Munitions (PGM) used by European Air Forces in Libya is expected to trigger demand for affordable guided weapons. This article examines the operational advantages and weaknesses of the various weapons, and how it reflects in their costs
UAVs as Multi-Mission Warfighters
Two new versions of the Predator - the U.S. Army MQ-1C 'Gray Eagle' and the Air Forces' MQ-9' Reaper, both from General Atomics, are changing the way...
Update: Raytheon Selected to Deliver the U.S. Air Force with SDB-II...
The U.S. Air Force has awarded the Raytheon Company (NYSE: RTN) US$450 million for the development and production of GBU-53/B for the Small Diameter Bomb increment...
MBDA Unveils Small Guided Bomb at Farnborough
MBDA Missile Systems have unveiled a small laser+GPS/INS guided weapon developed with company funding at MBDA’s U.S. subsidiary. The weapon called Small Air Bomb...
Sniper Targeting Pod Enhances Cooperative Engagement Support
Better High Definition TV, and FLIR sensors, Two-way Datalink, advanced algorythms to maintain the Sniper's combat edge Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) has received a $147 million...