Lockheed Martin successfully completed the next step in its Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) flight-test program in a flight over Eglin Air Force Base, FL. The SDB was released from an F-15E aircraft, demonstrating the weapon system's aerodynamic and navigation capabilities and meeting all test objectives.

The F-15E released the SDB at an altitude of 20,000 ft. flying at Mach 0.66, demonstrating the weapon's aircraft-to-weapon system interface, safe separation from the aircraft, and fin and wing deployment and operation. The weapon demonstrated controlled flight and guided to the predetermined aim point, proving its navigation and guidance capabilities.

The Small Diameter Bomb is a precision-guided, miniature 250-pound class munition that will enable U.S. Air Force fighters and bombers to attack more targets with fewer planes. This test nears conclusion of the Component Advanced Development phase (CAD), a two-year competitive program to develop the design for the bomb and carriage system.

"This mission proved out the weapon and carriage design and our approach to achieve a low-risk program," said Jim Pappafotis, Small Diameter Bomb program director for Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. "We accomplished objectives associated with aircraft integration, weapon release, guidance, and maneuverability. The team is ready to proceed to System Development and Demonstration (SDD) with a system that will provide the enhanced precision, standoff, and lethality the warfighter demands."

Lockheed Martin's SDB program leverages expertise gained from its Joint Air-to-Surface Standoff Missile (JASSM) and Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD) programs. The U.S. Air Force is expected to select in September 2003 the contractor that will advance into the SDD phase of the program.

Critical to the success of this flight test was the demonstration of the Lockheed Martin SDB carriage system, which is produced by EDO Corporation. EDO has worked closely with Lockheed Martin to complete the development of the SDB's advanced weapon carriage system, which was proven in the successful flight test. This final system configuration represents a culmination in integrating advanced pneumatics, mechanical, and electrical interface technologies into a state-of-the-art carriage system.

"Our system results from many years of internally funded research and development," said James M. Smith, EDO's chief executive officer. "With this truly integrated weapon system, we believe the Lockheed-EDO team is clearly ready for successful SDB production."

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control develops, manufactures and integrates world-class air defense, fire support, strike weapon, naval munition, combat vision, anti-armor and advanced product solutions and systems for U.S. and international armed forces.

Headquartered in Bethesda, Md., Lockheed Martin employs about 125,000 people worldwide and is principally engaged in the research, design, development, manufacture and integration of advanced technology systems, products and services.

For additional information, visit our web site: www.lockheedmartin.com.

SOURCE: Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control