SDB - GBU-40

The Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) is a precision-guided munition that will enable current and future aircraft to attack more targets in a single mission. The weapon is suitable for fighter aircraft, bombers and unmanned combat aircraft (UCAV).

The SDB will be a 250-pound class bomb with two different guidance system. The fire and forget SDB will be provided with a GPS/INS guidance system, while the direct attack mode SDB will be provided with a different guidance system to attack undetermined and moving targets.

The GBU-39 follow-on developed under the SDB Increment II program, and named the GBU-40, is planned to start development in 2006. It is known that GBU-40/SDB II will provide a stand-off range of 60 nautical miles (+110 kilometers).

In early 2005, GBU-40 development was committed to begin in fiscal year 2006 when GBU-39 was planned to enter into series production. The GBU-40 was released to be an optimized SDB intended capable of hitting moving targets on the ground following a requirement from the US Air Force and US Navy.

In April 2006 the US Air Force awarded contracts to two industry teams led by Boeing/Lockheed Martin and Raytheon to proceed with the SDB Increment II or SDB II risk reduction phase. The risk reduction contracts were valued at roughly $144 million. Overall SDB II program is worth $1.3 billion. System design and development phase was planned to be issued by late 2009.

News

B-2 to Get Moving Target Kill Capability

Boeing Selects Harris Corporation for Small Diameter Bomb II Data Link System

First Flight Test of Small Diameter Bomb II Completed Successfully

SDB Enters US Air Force Operational Testing

SDB Program Heading Operational Testing

Small Diameter Bomb Conducts Longest Test Yet

GBU-39 SDB Development Goes Forward

The GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb Tested on the F-15E