thedrifter
06-16-08, 06:24 AM
New laser-guided bomb unveiled to Yuma Marines
June 15, 2008 - 7:42PM
BY LANCE CPL. M. DANIEL SANCHEZ, SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Several Yuma units recently received their first look at the Department of Defense's new laser-guided variant of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) system, which is scheduled to be sent straight to combat zones in October.
The improvements to the new bomb system allow it to hit moving targets traveling at speeds up to 70 mph, whereas previous versions could only hit stationary targets.
Ordnance technicians from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13, Marine Attack Squadron 211 and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 learned how to put together the new system. JDAMs convert conventional free-fall bombs into guided "smart" bombs by attaching a navigation system and a propulsion system in an add-on tail section, according to Boeing, the JDAM's manufacturer.
The new version provides a modular laser sensor kit installed to the bombs.
Chief Petty Officer Sherard Stewart, guidance system trainer, brought a practice kit to Yuma for ordnance Marines to familiarize themselves with the system, so they'll be equipped to set up live bombs in combat.
According to Stewart, MALS-13 and VMA-211 will be among the first units in the Department of the Navy to use the laser JDAM during the squadron's upcoming deployments to Iraq later this year.
Although the guidance system will mean more capabilities for air combat, it will also mean slightly more work for ordnance Marines - at least initially.
The laser variant has a few more wires, electronic parts and tightening specifications past systems don't, said Stewart. Since the system is new, it will take a few builds for Marines to get as fast with this system as with older ones.
The key to getting faster with building the laser JDAM, as with any system, is to go by the book and learn all the ins and outs, said Sgt. Aaron Coley, MALS-13 ordnance technician.
Having someone demonstrate how to put it together also helps, said Sgt. Stephen Gentry, MALS-13 ordnance technician.
For now, the new system only works with the 500-pound MK-82 bomb. Older JDAMs can be added to several 500-, 1,000- or 2,000-pound bombs, according to Boeing.
The laser-guided variant responds to battlefield requirements for more versatile and less costly weapons, said Stewart. Instead of using expensive missiles, such as the Maverick, the Marine Corps can use this JDAM, which costs less than $50,000 each, for some of the same close-air support missions.
The Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force have used JDAMs since 1999 during Operation Allied Force in the Balkans and have increased use in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Since the start of their production in 1998, more than 190,000 JDAM tail kits have been sent to U.S. and other international military units.
Ellie
June 15, 2008 - 7:42PM
BY LANCE CPL. M. DANIEL SANCHEZ, SPECIAL TO THE SUN
Several Yuma units recently received their first look at the Department of Defense's new laser-guided variant of the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) system, which is scheduled to be sent straight to combat zones in October.
The improvements to the new bomb system allow it to hit moving targets traveling at speeds up to 70 mph, whereas previous versions could only hit stationary targets.
Ordnance technicians from Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13, Marine Attack Squadron 211 and Marine Aviation Weapons and Tactics Squadron 1 learned how to put together the new system. JDAMs convert conventional free-fall bombs into guided "smart" bombs by attaching a navigation system and a propulsion system in an add-on tail section, according to Boeing, the JDAM's manufacturer.
The new version provides a modular laser sensor kit installed to the bombs.
Chief Petty Officer Sherard Stewart, guidance system trainer, brought a practice kit to Yuma for ordnance Marines to familiarize themselves with the system, so they'll be equipped to set up live bombs in combat.
According to Stewart, MALS-13 and VMA-211 will be among the first units in the Department of the Navy to use the laser JDAM during the squadron's upcoming deployments to Iraq later this year.
Although the guidance system will mean more capabilities for air combat, it will also mean slightly more work for ordnance Marines - at least initially.
The laser variant has a few more wires, electronic parts and tightening specifications past systems don't, said Stewart. Since the system is new, it will take a few builds for Marines to get as fast with this system as with older ones.
The key to getting faster with building the laser JDAM, as with any system, is to go by the book and learn all the ins and outs, said Sgt. Aaron Coley, MALS-13 ordnance technician.
Having someone demonstrate how to put it together also helps, said Sgt. Stephen Gentry, MALS-13 ordnance technician.
For now, the new system only works with the 500-pound MK-82 bomb. Older JDAMs can be added to several 500-, 1,000- or 2,000-pound bombs, according to Boeing.
The laser-guided variant responds to battlefield requirements for more versatile and less costly weapons, said Stewart. Instead of using expensive missiles, such as the Maverick, the Marine Corps can use this JDAM, which costs less than $50,000 each, for some of the same close-air support missions.
The Marine Corps, Navy and Air Force have used JDAMs since 1999 during Operation Allied Force in the Balkans and have increased use in Afghanistan and Iraq.
Since the start of their production in 1998, more than 190,000 JDAM tail kits have been sent to U.S. and other international military units.
Ellie