Lockheed precision-guided munitions tests successful

August 26, 2016 - By GPS World Staff

Dual Mode Plus uses inertial guidance with GPS updates to shape flight path for target engagement at desired impact heading and dive angle. (Photo: Lockheed Martin)

Lockheed Martin’s new Dual Mode Plus laser guided bomb (LGB) successfully completed two recent flight tests at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division in China Lake, California.

The tests demonstrated operation of the new linear optics, GPS/inertial navigation system (INS) guidance subsystem and the control actuation system, meeting all mission objectives.

Released from an F/A-18 Super Hornet, the two Mk-82 (500-lb.) inert warheads, fitted with Dual Mode Plus guidance kits, impacted fixed targets well within operational performance requirements.

“Lockheed Martin’s Dual Mode Plus benefits from the reliability and affordability of the Paveway II Plus LGB system while integrating a GPS/INS, all-weather moving target capability,” said Joe Serra, Precision Guided Systems director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “This combination offers a precise and affordable direct attack weapon system to the U.S. and its allies.”

Effective against fixed, relocatable and moving targets, Dual Mode Plus will improve mission effectiveness by providing precision strike capabilities in all-weather conditions at extended standoff ranges.

Dual Mode Plus maintains Paveway II LGB physical dimensions and easily integrates with aircraft employing Paveway II LGBs or other similar direct attack weapons utilizing conventional MIL-STD-1760/1553 or Universal Armament Interfaces.

Lockheed Martin is a qualified provider of all three Paveway II MK-80 series LGB variants (GBU-10 MK-84 [2,000 lb.], GBU-12 MK-82 and GBU-16 MK-83 [1,000 lb.]) and is the sole provider of the Enhanced Laser Guided Training Round and Dual Mode LGB kits.

The company has delivered more than 150,000 training rounds, more than 75,000 Paveway II LGB kits and 7,000 dual-mode systems to the U.S. Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and 23 international customers.