Joint Direct Attack Munitions

Abstract

$50M in FY10 supplemental funding was utilized for the development of a Joint Urgent Operational Need (JUON) response weapon known as the Very Low Collateral Damage Weapon (VLCDW). VLCDW has been given the identifier of BLU-129/B by USAF, and is also commonly referred to as a Precision Lethality MK-82, or PL MK-82. BLU-129/B is not a JDAM replacement, despite USAF placing this FY10 supplemental funding in the JDAM PE. BLU-129/B is a 500lb bomb body that is made from carbon fibers, instead of traditional steel. This 500lb bomb body will be joined to JDAM tailkits, and eventually other weapon tailkits that interface with the standard 500lb bomb body shape. The $50M was used to mature, test, and integrate the carbon fiber technology that was originally developed by USAF research laboratories with exiting weapon tailkits, fuzes, and fighter aircraft. Fielding of the BLU-129/B is expected to occur in FY11.

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Document Details

Document Type
Project
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2012
Source ID
653890_0604618F_5_3600_PB_2012

Tags

Readers

  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Munitions and Ordnance Engineering
  • Reinforced Composite Materials

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