Boeing Laser JDAM Hits Moving Target

Released on Tuesday, May 24, 2005

Boeing successfully tested its 500-pound Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) for the first time today against a moving target at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida.

For the test, a Laser JDAM was released from a US Air Force F-16 flying at 20,000 feet (6,000 meters) approximately four miles (7 kilometers) from an unmanned truck moving at 15 miles per hour (25 kph). A second F-16 trailing the test aircraft targeted the truck with a laser. The inert JDAM tracked the laser to the target and scored a direct hit on the truck.

The laser sensor is a modular kit that is easily installed in the field to the front of existing JDAM weapons. If a laser isn't needed for a given mission, a standard JDAM can be used. The laser-guided JDAM simply adds additional capability to the outstanding GPS/INS all-weather capability current JDAMs offer, turning the JDAM into one of the most versatile weapons available.

Flight tests for the Laser JDAM are planned through February 2006, to demonstrate the system is ready for production. The US Air Force and the US Navy are potential customers for this weapon that will be used against stationary targets in bad weather and against moving targets in optimal weather.