Raytheon's Small Diameter II bomb closer to Milestone C decision

TUCSON, Sept. 4 (UPI) -- Small Diameter Bomb II is closer to low-rate initial production following guide test vehicle flights against stationary and moving targets.

The testing -- the final required GTV tests before Milestone C acquisition approval -- was recently conducted with the U.S. Air Force, the company said.

"These guided tests were successfully accomplished against separate targets in both moving and static scenarios that included both wheeled and tracked vehicles," said John O'Brien, Raytheon SDB II program director. "The ability to classify targets and make targeting decisions based on that classification is a revolutionary capability possessed by no other weapon or seeker today."

The Small Diameter Bomb features a tri-mode seeker that operates in millimeter-wave radar, uncooled imaging infrared and semi-active laser modes for targeting from standoff range in all weather conditions.

Targets of the bomb can be changed after release through a secure datalink that passes in-flight updates to the weapon.

Raytheon said two live fire tests are scheduled to be completed in the coming weeks to further demonstrate the weapon's readiness to enter production.