$114.6M to Boeing for Small Diameter Bomb Production Support
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Boeing Co. subsidiary McDonnell Douglas Corp. in St. Louis, MO received a $114.6 million contract to provide support for small diameter bomb (SDB) Increment 1 [pdf] production for munitions, carriages and technical support.
The GBU-39 SDB dramatically increases the strike capability of every combat aircraft in the US inventory. This 250 pound guided weapon has the same penetration capabilities as a 2000lb BLU-109 because of 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 version is INS/GPS guided like the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), giving the winged bomb a range of up to 37 miles and an accuracy rating of just 16-26 feet CEP. The size and accuracy of SDBs allow 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 USAF’s Global Strike Task Force.
Complementing the GBU-39 SDB is a smart miniature munitions carriage system (BRU-61/A). This system can carry 4 small diameter bombs, enabling an aircraft to quadruple its load out. The carriage system functions similar to an aircraft stores management system by communicating with and controlling up to 4 weapons.
The SDB system is designed [pdf] to fit on current fighter/bomber external smart stations and in the internal bays of the F-22A and F-35 fighters, UCAS, and B-2 bomber.
The 681 ARSS/PK at Eglin Air Force Base, FL manages the Boeing contract (FA8672-10-C-0013).
