Wed, Sep 13, 2006
Strap-On Wing Kit Improves JDAMs
The Australians have
come up with a wing kit that more than triples the range of the
basic JDAM (joint direct attack munition).
The original JDAM had been developed by Boeing after the Gulf
War of 1991 as a low cost alternative to the high tech but
high priced "smart bomb". It is basically an old fashioned
conventional bomb with a fancy tail kit. Using inertial and
satellite navigaton, the JDAM can be guided much more accurately to
the target. It has been used to great effect in the current Iraq
campaign but its range is limited after being released.
The improved JDAM, known as the JDAM-ER (extended range) uses a
strap-on wing kit turning the bomb into a very heavy glider. It
still retains the tail device for guidance.
The concept was developed over a decade ago by the Australian
Defense Science and Technology Organization
Boeing subsidiary Hawker de Havilland, which is based in
Melbourne, conducted extensive tests over the South Australian
desert using F/A-18 Hornets flying above 20,000 feet. The bombs
were able to hit within five feet of their targets after gliding
over 25 miles.
Development manager Tony Carolan said the kit comprises a pair of
pop-out wings attached to the bomb, according to The Australian
newspaper. "We licensed that technology and turned it into a
practical design that will actually strap onto a JDAM weapon in the
field,” he said.
“Anything that can keep the aeroplane more out of harm's
way and give greater coverage from any one point in the fight has
got to be helpful.” Carolan added.
The current regular JDAM kit runs about $30 thousand plus the
cost of the bomb. A price for the strap-on wing kit option has not
yet been established.
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