Boeing bids on SDB II program

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 9 (UPI) -- The U.S. Air Force has received a proposal submission from Boeing for the Small Diameter Bomb II weapon system program.

U.S. company Boeing announced it responded to a call for proposals for the Small Diameter Bomb II weapon system program Engineering and Manufacturing Development phase.

Boeing submitted its proposal after leading a team that completed three successful development test flights as part of a risk-reduction program that lasted 42 months. Officials say the SDB II is an initiative to add multimode seeker and two-way data link capabilities to the advanced weapons technology.

"We have arrived at this milestone with a next-generation weapon system that will play a vital role in helping our warfighters complete their missions," Debra Rub, Boeing Weapons Programs vice president, said in a statement.

"Boeing's SDB II proposal provides a low-risk solution with the capacity to meet today's requirements and the flexibility to address evolving threats," Rub said. "Whether the situation calls for standoff strike capability or close air support on high-value targets, Boeing's SDB II is the right weapon."