ST. LOUIS, May 22 (UPI) -- Boeing added a new weapon to the air war in Iraq Monday with the delivery of a lightweight bomb to the U.S. Air Force.
The Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I) is a 250-pound bomb that promises great accuracy and can be dropped by the F-15E Strike Eagle and virtually any other plane in the Air Force fleet.
"The capability SDB I brings ... will make a significant difference in future combat," said Air Force Col. Richard Justice, commander of the 918th Armament Systems Group. "Our crews will be at less risk while defeating more targets with less collateral damage."
U.S. air operations in Iraq these days largely involve small-scale strikes against suspected insurgents or in support of infantry units. The 500-pound bomb and Hellfire missiles are used frequently.
The SDB I gives the United States a bomb that analysts say could be used even in an urban setting. Boeing said it tested 39 bombs against a variety of fixed targets and came within 4 feet of the aimpoint on each drop.
In addition, the small size of the SDB I allows aircraft to carry a greater number of bombs and has a standoff range of 60 miles.
The Air Force has committed $1.2 billion to the program and will take delivery of more than 24,000 bombs and 2,000 bomb carriages through 2015.
