ST. LOUIS, Oct. 24, 1996 -- The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) successfully completed the first in a series of guided flights at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., Oct. 22. The JDAM-equipped Mk-84 2,000 lb. bomb was launched from an F-16 and flew a trajectory guided by JDAM's inertial navigation system. The launch was made from 20,000 ft. at mach 0.8.
"Every indication is that the test was a total success," said James Restelli, vice president for missile systems at McDonnell Douglas.
The next guided flight from an F-16 is scheduled to take place in two to three weeks. For that flight, the JDAM inertial navigation system will be aided by a global positioning system.
This test phase is part of a risk reduction effort to aid in the integration of JDAM on other aircraft platforms -- F/A-18,
B-1, B-2 and B-52. Guided flights are expected to begin in December 1996 on the F/A-18 and January 1997 on the B-2.
The JDAM program has successfully completed airworthiness and safe separation tests on the F/A-18C/D, B-52H, B-1B, F-16C/D and B-2A. Successful captive carry tests have been completed on the F/A-18C/D, F-16 and B-2A.
JDAM is an acquisition reform pilot program with low rate initial production of 937 units set to begin in 1997. Application of acquisition reform initiatives has resulted in the reduction of the tail kit unit price from $40,000 to under $20,000. The U.S. Department of Defense intends to acquire approximately 87,000 JDAM tail kits.
96-266
(314) 234-6996