Raytheon Company has completed Lot 1 production of the Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) for the U.S. Air Force, according to a Raytheon news release.
The gliding precision munition employs a tri-mode seeker combining millimeter-wave radar, uncooled imaging infrared (IIR), and semi-active laser homing capability. Launched at up to 40 miles distance from the target, the weapon can be re-targeted in flight by being updated through a secure two-way datalink, according to the company. SDB II gives pilots the ability to destroy moving targets at any time and in all-weather conditions. The U.S. Air Force has also contracted with Raytheon to produce Lots 2 and 3.
An SDB II™ bomb is loaded on an F-15E aircraft to evaluate deployment and navigation functions. An F-15E could carry up to 28 of the small precision weapons. Raytheon image
The SDB II completed live-fire testing in 2015 before entering into low rate initial production (LRIP).
“SDB II does much more than hit GPS coordinates; it detects, classifies and engages targets.”
“SDB II does much more than hit GPS coordinates; it detects, classifies and engages targets,” said Mike Jarrett, Raytheon Air Warfare Systems vice president. “When it is integrated on the F-35A, this weapon will also help the world’s most advanced fighter jet reach entirely new targets.”
Raytheon is producing the SDB in its fully-automated Tucson, Arizona, manufacturing facility. The SDB II program is nearing completion of developmental testing.