STEWART PENNEY / LONDON
The UK Ministry of Defence has invited companies to register an interest in bidding for its precision guided bomb (PGB) procurement.
PGB is the latest incarnation of the long-running ST(A)1248 UK bomb enhancement requirement.
The MoD says that studies since 1998 mean "the original requirement to enhance in-service bombs would not provide the optimum solution". The UK is now seeking a complete weapon based around the US 227kg (500lb) Mk82 bomb.
Offers are expected from: Alenia Marconi Systems (AMS) teamed with Boeing offering a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) solution; Elbit Systems with a development of the Lizard; Leigh Aerosystems with Long Shot; Raytheon with Paveway; and Sagem with the AASM. The invitation to tender is due for release in September with an April 2006 in-service date.
The AMS/Boeing bid will be taken over by MBDA when AMS is merged with Matra BAe Dynamics (MBD). The standard JDAM will meet the initial part of the MoD's requirement, while JDAM fitted with AMS's Diamond Back wing kit, a combination already tested by the USAir Force, will fulfil the extended range needs.
Future development could include integrating an imaging infrared seeker with the GPS satellite navigation-guided JDAM. Boeing and MBD have experience with such sensors while the European company could also offer actuation and insensitive munition technology. Longer term the AMS/Boeing teaming could be extended to the US Small Diameter Bomb programme.
Raytheon UK head of marketing and business strategy Andy Head says it will bid a system with maximum commonality with the Paveway weapons in UK service. This will reduce the aircraft integration costs as Paveway is cleared on all the necessary platforms.
The UK also recently ordered the Enhanced Paveway, which includes a GPS guidance system for use when target obscuration defeats the laser guidance. Head declines to specify how Paveway will be developed to meet any extended range PGB requirement, but hints that Raytheon has several proposals.
Source: Flight International
