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SDB, in attack mode
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DID has covered the 250-pound, GPS/INS guided GBU-39 Small Diamater Bomb before. This smart little glide bomb is considered one of the most transformational items in the USAF because of the way its small size and structure penetrating punch can make every single USAF aircraft many times more effective. The SDB is being tested on the F/A-22 Raptor as its primary strike weapon, and production has begun; but the Darlene Druyun scandals have forced the $1.7 billion Phase II (SDB moving target killer) contract back to a competitive rebid.

Meanwhile, Boeing subsidiary McDonnell Douglas Corp. in St. Louis, MO has received a $38.3 million firm-fixed-price contract, exercising the Lot 2 option for the SDB increment I fixed/stationary target design. The contract covers low rate initial production (LRIP) for munitions, carriages, and associated trainers and technical support. The DoD DefenseLINK release notes that work will be performed at Sargent Fletcher Inc. in El Monte, CA, and that work will be complete by September 2007. The Air Armament Center at Eglin Air Force Base, FL (which includes the Miniature Munitions Systems Group) issued the contract (FA8681-06-C-0012).