JDAM LR enters initial production

The US Air Force has awarded Boeing a US$75 million ($107 million) Undefinitized Contract Action (UCA) to acquire the BSU-111/B Payload Delivery Unit (PDU) Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range (JDAM LR), clearing the program for initial production.

The JDAM LR is a jet-powered precision-strike weapon that can travel more than 300 nautical miles while carrying a 500-lb class (226kg) payload. It is propelled by a small turbojet engine – the type has not been disclosed by Boeing or by the US Air Force

The system completed its first flight test off the coast of California on April 1, followed by a second test on April 3, but has only now been publicised. EX understands that production for the US Navy has also begun following trials on Navy aircraft in April. The two USAF tests demonstrated the weapon’s safe separation; the ability to use existing aircraft interfaces; and controlled, powered flight and navigation. Each weapon travelled approximately 200 nautical miles, while maintaining consistent guidance directly to its target

“As Naval Air Forces in theatre continue to rely heavily on JDAM systems, the program recognizes a critical need to provide the fleet with greater standoff range,” said Capt. Sarah Abbott, Precision Strike Weapons (PMA-201) program manager, in a US Navy Release. “This new capability allows pilots to engage targets from significantly safer distances, maintaining a tactical advantage in contested environments.”

With the successful completion of these demonstrations, the JDAM LR team is now focusing on the next phase of qualification, emphasising shipboard integration. The program aims to bring this high-priority strike capability to the fleet to meet the evolving demands of modern naval warfare, says the US Navy.

This affordable munition allows pilots to engage targets further away, providing advantage in contested environments, says Boeing in a media release. Boeing will begin manufacturing PDUs for the US Navy at its St Charles, Missouri, site.