Laser-guided bomb makes first strike in Iraq
Posted : Wednesday Aug 27, 2008 13:24:44 EDT
The laser-guided Joint Direct Attack Munition made its combat debut in Iraq earlier this month, the Air Force announced Wednesday.
The 500-pound bomb, also known as the GBU-54, joined the war when an F-16 Fighting Falcon from the 77th Expeditionary Fighter Squadron, Joint Base Balad, used it to strike a moving enemy vehicle in Diyala province. The pilot was working with a joint terminal attack controller on the ground.
“The first combat employment of this weapon is the validation of the exacting hard work of an entire team of professionals who developed, tested and fielded this weapon on an extremely short timeline,” said Lt. Gen. Gary North, who oversees air operations over Iraq.
A standard satellite-guided JDAM can hit fixed targets but not moving targets. The addition of a laser seeker means the bomb can be steered toward a moving target.
Identified as an urgent operational need in early 2007, the GBU-54’s development and testing was completed in less than 17 months.
During test flights by high-flying F-16s and F-15E Strike Eagles out of Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., and Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., LJDAMs struck vehicles moving as fast as 70 mph.
One of the final tests involved releasing a dozen bombs at the same time on several moving targets.
Boeing won the $28.8 million LJDAM contract in May 2007 to produce 400 kits for the Air Force and 200 kits for the Navy. The goal is to deliver all the kits by June 2009.
Leave a Comment
Most Viewed Stories
- Donley: Guard, Reserve source of most cuts
- Top officers benefit from revised pension rules
- AF leaders: No involuntary cuts to active force
- Tell us: No more civilian PT testers
- Mont. Guard gets C-130 mission to replace F-15s
- Air Force camp to be named for JTAC airman
- Ex-Malmstrom airman pleads guilty to assault
- 5 A-10 squadrons to be cut
- Surveillance drone crashes in Somali capital
- Proposed AF Guard, Reserve cuts meet resistance
- Artists repurpose boneyard planes as canvases
- SecAF: Service now favors multirole aircraft
Contests and Promotions
Enter our 2012 Red Carpet Contest!
Predict who will get the statues on Hollywood's big night and win a $200 Fandango Gift Card!
Click Here To Enter.
Win Tactical Night Vision Goggles!
Enter to Win the Military Times Sweepstakes!
Click Here To Enter.
Free Stickers
Click here and we'll send you a FREE AFGHANISTAN, IRAQ, VIETNAM, or DESERT STORM sticker.
Marketplace
Mil-Mall
2011 Insider's Guide To Military BenefitsThis handbook for military life includes essential information on pay and benefits, housing, education, health care and more.
Military Discounts
Save on your purchases!
In honor of your military service, you can find regular and name brand products at a special discount.






