SDB II clears developmental testing but still faces challenges

By Rachel Cohen / April 24, 2018 at 3:00 PM
Raytheon recently announced its Small Diameter Bomb Increment II program finished developmental testing, helping clear the way for operational test to start even as the weapon still faces six performance and schedule risks. "During developmental testing , pilots dropped 44 SDB II bombs and tested them in all modes of operation," the company said April 19. "The weapon destroyed maneuvering targets in adverse weather and demonstrated third-party control through a datalink. It also chose the correct target from among decoys...

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