Boeing and the US Air Force conducted the first of two proof-of-concept flight demonstrations of an extended range Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) at Eglin AFB, Florida, on 21 April.
As part of the manufacturer-funded flight test, the 450kg (1,000lb) JDAM/BLU-109 tactical munitions dispenser was modified to accept the Alenia Marconi Systems (AMS) Diamond Back wing kit, which more than doubles the range of the global positioning system (GPS)-guided weapon.
Flight testing had been set for late last year at a Californian range using a US Navy aircraft, but was delayed and switched to Eglin AFB because of naval range unavailability. Boeing hopes successful testing will prompt the USAF and USN to proceed with the product improvement programme. There is currently no requirement for an extended range JDAM.
During the test, the JDAM flew 38km (24 miles) after launch from a Lockheed Martin F-16. The test flight's objective was to demonstrate the operation of the wing kit, and prove that a winged JDAM could be controlled over an extended range. A second, more complex flight test, is set for this month.
Boeing and AMS are also working under a $3.2 million, 18-month USAF contract to flight-test three Small Smart Bomb range extensions this month at Eglin AFB. The SSB is a development of a Boeing 114kg smart bomb. The SSB could fill an emerging USAF miniature munitions requirement.
Source: Flight International
