Dutch Looking for GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs

Dutch F-16, Kandahar(click to view full) JDAM manufacturer Boeing’s GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb I is a 250 pound weapon with pop-out glide fins that greatly improve its range, and GPS/INS guidance. Its narrow body and streamlined shape help it punch above its weight against hardened targets, and its small size has the dual benefit of allowing more bombs per aircraft (4 per pylon), and lessening collateral damage beyond the target. The Dutch have already ordered dual-mode GPS/laser guided Enhanced Paveway kits that fit 500 pound bombs, so the capability isn’t new. What would change are range, carrying profiles for the lighter weapons, and number of bombs available per fighter. The new GBU-39s would initially see use on the same Dutch F-16 fighters, which have received a Mid-Life Upgrade and are expected to get additional software modifications. If the Dutch hope to field the new weapons in 2012 as planned, however, they may have to overcome some political obstacles at home… Contracts & Key Events SDB I hits barge(click to view full) Aug 24/10: Dutch Defense ministry official Eimert van Middelkoop tells Aviation Week that the U.S. government must have a letter of agreement by Nov 1/10 for the Netherlands to […]