Posted on 01/18/2010 9:59:34 PM PST by ErnstStavroBlofeld
The U.S. Air Force continues development of its innovative, but infrequently used, 250 pound SDB (Small Diameter Bomb). The latest improvement is an encrypted data link, that will enable the SDB to hit moving targets. The new communications capability enables the SDB movement to be controlled via the air force's airborne Internet (Link 16). This capability is one of the main improvements to be seen in SBD II, which won’t enter service for another year or so. Meanwhile, existing SDBs have received a software upgrade that enables them to be used like a JDAM (GPS guided bomb). That is, it can now, with the new software, be dropped from an aircraft while directly above the target. The SDB was built as a glide bomb, which was dropped ten or more kilometers from the target, then glided for a bit before diving on the target. This resulted in complaints from troops below, who had to wait longer for a SDB to hit. The SDB was often preferred, especially in urban areas, because it had less bang than a 500 pound JDAM. But not when it took so long to arrive.
(Excerpt) Read more at strategypage.com ...
"Slow but deadly", they sank the Imperial Japanese navy...
They sure did. Do you know how many were manufactured during the war?
Big deal, wait until these are turned into small diameter gliders.
Anybody with half a brain knows that these were built for UAV’s to give stand off ability with no signature.
Yep. The Air Force is now training more UAV pilots than real ones. And I thought all that video gaming was ruining our youth hahhahaha
It has only taken 10 years for the Air Force to recognize their bombs are too big for CAS..
So by 2020 if we keep at it they may recognize that a Prop Driven Skyraider is still a better plane for the job than any fast mover or RPV.
W
from the article
Meanwhile, the army has introduced GPS guided rockets and 155mm shells. These, plus the existing Hellfire missiles, have led to fewer calls for air force smart bombs.
Question?
At what point does a rocket become a missile if it is being guided by GPS?
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