SDB Ⅱ Enters Low-Rate Production

摘要

The Small-Diameter Bomb Ⅱ (SDB Ⅱ), designed by Raytheon Missile Systems, is a 200-pound-class precision-guided glide bomb designed to strike targets with a minimum of collateral damage. It is an improvement over SDB Ⅰ with the addition of capability to hit moving targets in adverse weather. The SDB Ⅱ currently is an 11-year program with a domestic purchase of 17,000 weapons. Raytheon has suppliers across the country, but final assembly and testing will be accomplished at Raytheon Missile Systems in Tucson, Ariz. Development of the SDB Ⅱ began in May 2006. Raytheon was awarded an $818 million engineering and manufacturing development contract in August 2010 that included options for five production lots. Critical Design Review was held in January 2011. SDB Ⅱ achieved Milestone C on May 11. The Acquisition Decision Memorandum was signed June 3 and Raytheon received the contract award June 12 for low-rate initial production (LRIP) 1. Operational tests will begin in 2016. Initial operational capability is scheduled for 2017 on the Air Force F-15E. SDB Ⅱ will be introduced on the F/A-18E/F in 2019/2020, followed by the F-35C in 2022.