GBU-53/B StormBreaker
| GBU-53/B (Small Diameter Bomb II) | |
|---|---|
| Type | Bomb |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2017– (planned)[1] |
| Used by | United States |
| Production history | |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon |
| Produced | 2013- (planned)[1] |
| Specifications ([1]) | |
| Mass | 204 lb (93 kg) |
| Length | 69 in (176 cm) |
| Diameter | 6-7 in (15-18 cm) |
Guidance system | Millimeter-wave radar / Semi-active laser guidance / Uncooled thermal imager |
The GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II is an American air launched, guided bomb.
Development was started in 2006 for a 250 pounds (110 kg) class bomb that can identify and strike mobile targets from standoff distances in all weather conditions. It will be integrated on the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.[2] Its first flight was announced on May 1, 2009.[3]
The bomb is being developed by Raytheon. A Boeing/Lockheed Martin team attempted to develop it but lost in a U.S. Air Force competition. Boeing won the original competition but the project was on hold for several years due to a corruption scandal involving American, Darleen Druyun. The competition was reopened in September, 2005.[4]
Usage
The bomb has three modes of detecting target, millimeter-wave radar, uncooled imaging infrared, and semiactive laser. The use of uncooled imaging infrared has been cited as innovative and reducing costs. The weapon showed, during tests, that it can transit between the three modes during targeting. An important feature of the new weapon is the maximization of the number of the bombs carried by the strike aircraft. A total of 28 GBU-53/B can be carried by the F-15E Strike Eagle (7 BLU-61/A suspension unit, each carrying 4 bombs), and eight bombs along with two AIM-120 AMRAAM missiles in the weapons bay of the F-22 Raptor or the F-35 Lightning II, even the STOVL F-35B.[5]
The bomb receives communications by Link 16 and UHF modes. The bomb was tested using F-15 aircraft and UH-1 helicopter.
History
The original Small Diameter Bomb was developed by Boeing and made for non-moving targets. It was called the SDB for small diameter bomb. The SDB II is designed to destroy moving targets in dust and bad weather. The Raytheon version was deployed successfully in 26 missions over 21 days. Raytheon was awarded the contract in August, 2010.[6] The Raytheon contract is worth US $450 million. Boeing announced that it would not protest the Raytheon award.
Planned deployment
The United States Air Force plans to use the bomb on F-15E Strike Eagles as a No Drive Zone enforcement weapon. The U.S. Navy and U.S. Marines plan to use it on their versions of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Delivery for the first batch is planned for late 2014. Government requirements specify a 2016 delivery date.
References
- ^ a b c [1].
- ^ "Air Force pics small diameter bomb". United Press International.
- ^ "Raytheon GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II Completes First Flight". Space.
- ^
"Raytheon Wins USAs GBU-53 Small Diameter Bomb Competition". http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/ Defense Industry Daily.
{{cite web}}: External link in|publisher= - ^
"Small Diameter Bomb II - GBU-53/B". Defense Update.
{{cite web}}: External link in|publisher= - ^ "Raytheon wins USA GBU-53/B small diameter bomb competition". Defense Industry Daily.