By Courtney E. Howard
ARCHIBALD, Pa. –Engineers from the Lockheed Martin Corp. Missiles and Fire Control segment in Archibald, Pa., are preparing the company’s Paveway II dual-mode laser-guided bomb (DMLGB) for deployment by the U.S. Navy.
The Lockheed Martin Paveway II DMLGB, a next-generation laser-guided bomb kit, combines an upgraded, all-weather inertial navigation system/global positioning system (INS/GPS), semi-active laser (SAL) seeker, and anti-jam technology.
The DMLGB takes advantage of laser-guided and INS/GPS capabilities to execute precise and effective strike missions against fixed, relocatable, and moving targets. DMLGB, designed to provide precision strike capabilities in virtually all weather conditions and at extended standoff ranges, is expected to minimize collateral damage and improve mission effectiveness.
“The DMLGB is the result of our effective partnership with the U.S. Navy,” explains John Pericci, business development director at Lockheed Martin’s Archibald, Pa., facility. “This program is an example of how existing inventory can be cost-effectively upgraded into a next-generation, precision-guided weapon system. DMLGB provides the warfighter with an enhanced capability weapon that is highly effective.”
The Paveway II DMLGB is shown on an AV-8B jump jet at the Naval Air Weapons Center China Lake Test Range in California.
Lockheed Martin was selected by Navy officials to develop the DMLGB and is producing kits under a $260 million Navy contract. The DMLGB kits can operate in laser only, inertial/GPS, or dual mode, providing pilots the flexibility to engage a variety of targets during a single mission.
The DMLGB has achieved the U.S. Navy’s initial operational capability and is being prepared for operational employment. Lockheed Martin kits can be used on F/A-18, F-16, F-15, F-117, and other aircraft configured for laser-guided bombs.
“The combined Navy/Lockheed Martin team achieved another milestone in providing warfighters with innovative and cost-effective, direct-attack capabilities,” says Capt. Mat Winter, PMA 201 Precision Strike Weapons program manager. “DMLGB brings the tactical flexibility with proven precision effectiveness our warfighters so urgently need.”
For more information, visit Lockheed Martin online at www.lmco.com.
