GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs

Dutch Looking for GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs




SDB I hits barge
(click to view full)July 27/10: The US DSCA announces [PDF] The Netherlands official request to buy 603 GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs1 (SDB1), plus bomb containers, flight test integration, spare and repair parts, support equipment, personnel training and equipment, publications and technical data, and U.S. Government and contractor support. If a contract gets signed, this will be the first sale of this weapon to The Netherlands. The estimated cost is up to $44 million.

JDAM manufacturer GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb is a 250 pound weapon with pop-out glide fins that greatly improve its range, and GPS/INS guidance. Its narrow body and streamlined shape help it punch above its weight against hardened targets, and its small size has the dual benefit of allowing more bombs per aircraft (4 per pylon), and lessening collateral damage beyond the target. RNLAF F-16s would carry this weapon, which is also in production for the American and Italian militaries.

Boeing in St. Louis, MO is the prime contractor for the SDB-I; a separate SDB-II competition will add the ability to hit moving targets, once that contract is awarded. This program will involve multiple trips to The Netherlands by U.S. Government and contractor representatives for 1-2 week intervals for approximately 3 years.

DID