Strap-On Wing Kit Improves JDAMs

The Australians have come up with a wing kit that more than triples the range of the basic JDAM (joint direct attack munition).

The original JDAM had been developed by Boeing after the Gulf War of 1991 as a low cost alternative to the high tech but high priced "smart bomb". It is basically an old fashioned conventional bomb with a fancy tail kit. Using inertial and satellite navigaton, the JDAM can be guided much more accurately to the target. It has been used to great effect in the current Iraq campaign but its range is limited after being released.

The improved JDAM, known as the JDAM-ER (extended range) uses a strap-on wing kit turning the bomb into a very heavy glider. It still retains the tail device for guidance.

The concept was developed over a decade ago by the Australian Defense Science and Technology Organization

Boeing subsidiary Hawker de Havilland, which is based in Melbourne, conducted extensive tests over the South Australian desert using F/A-18 Hornets flying above 20,000 feet. The bombs were able to hit within five feet of their targets after gliding over 25 miles.

Development manager Tony Carolan said the kit comprises a pair of pop-out wings attached to the bomb, according to The Australian newspaper. "We licensed that technology and turned it into a practical design that will actually strap onto a JDAM weapon in the field,” he said.

“Anything that can keep the aeroplane more out of harm's way and give greater coverage from any one point in the fight has got to be helpful.” Carolan added.

The current regular JDAM kit runs about $30 thousand plus the cost of the bomb. A price for the strap-on wing kit option has not yet been established.

FMI: US Air Force JDAM