Boeing Delivers JDAM Kits

The Boeing Co. announced it has delivered its laser JDAM (joint direct attack munition) precision laser guidance set (PLGS) systems to the US Air Force, as part of a $28 million contract awarded in May 2007 that will add 600 laser seekers to Air Force and Navy inventories of 500-pound bombs.

JDAM kits convert existing, unguided free-fall bombs into "smart" weapons that can operate in adverse conditions by enhancing their global positioning/inertial navigation systems. EFW Inc., of Fort Worth, Texas, supplies the laser sensor to Boeing.

The first production units were completed in March, and the Air Force performed tests at the China Lake, Calif., test range from F-15E and F-16 aircraft, demonstrating their ability to engage and destroy targets moving at up to 70 mph, Boeing said. The Navy also initiated its LJDAM-guided flight test program in March from an AV-8B against moving targets. Additional Navy testing is planned from an F/A-18.

LJDAM is expected to be operational this year with both the Air Force and Navy. Boeing said it will deliver the contracted kits by June 2009.

For more information, visit: boeing.com