|
$18.5M for Initial Production of Small Diameter Bomb System
EFL: Boeing Co. subsidiary McDonnell Douglas Corp. received an $18.5 million contract modification to exercise Lot 1 Option for Small Diameter Bomb Increment I (Fixed/Stationary Target) Low Rate initial Production for munitions, carriage, and associated trainers and technical support. The Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) is considered one of the most significant programs on the books because it will dramatically increase the strike capability of every combat aircraft in the U.S. inventory. This 250 pound guided weapon has the same penetration capabilities as a 2000lb BLU-109 thanks to its length to diameter ratio, smart fuse and nose shape, demonstrating penetration of more than 6 feet of reinforced concrete with only 50 pounds of explosive. The fixed/stationary target versions is INS/GPS guided like the JDAM, giving the winged bombs a range of up to 60 km and an accuracy rating of just 5-8m CEP. The size and accuracy of SDBs allows aircraft to carry more munitions to more targets and strike them more effectively with less collateral damage. Because of its capabilities, the system is an important element of the U.S. Air Force's Global Strike Task Force. Follow-on SDB integration may occur with the F-16 (Block 30/40/50), F-117, A-10, B-52, B-1, and B-2, as well as the forthcoming F/A-22 Raptor and F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. The B-2 is set to carry between 64 and 216 SDBs on one mission. In the case of the F-22, it will permit the destruction of up to eight targets on a single mission. The SDB is also a potential weapons load for the MQ-9 Predator B and X-45 UCAV drones, as well as standoff carrier vehicles such as Tomahawk cruise missiles, JSOW and JASSM missiles, and even Conventional ICBMs. For this LRIP contract, Boeing said it would produce 201 SDBs and 35 weapons carriages, which will be mounted on Boeing F-15E Strike Eagles in 2006. This work will be complete September 2006. Posted by: Steve 2005-04-25 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=62209 |