Production of Navy Laser Sensors Fast Tracked

Full-rate production of more than 2300 laser sensors that turn free-fall bombs into guided missiles will begin under a $22.7 million contract modification that addresses the Navy’s need to directly attack moving targets, Boeing announced recently.

Laser joint direct attack munition (JDAM) is a modular guidance kit that converts unguided bombs into near precision-guided weapons. Its laser function boosts the weapon’s effectiveness against moving targets, maritime threats and other relocatable targets, the company said.

Naval Air Systems Command awarded the contract modification in mid-July; deliveries are scheduled to begin in spring 2013 and continue through spring 2014.

Boeing completed JDAM’s development and test cycle 17 months after the capability was identified as an urgent operational need in 2007. First production laser sensor kits were delivered to the US military in 2008 for combat use in Iraq.

For more information, visit: www.boeing.com