EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla: Raytheon Company launched its first GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II as a control test vehicle (CTV) flight.
A U.S. Air Force F-15E fighter aircraft released the GBU-53/B in flight. After safely separating from the aircraft, the weapon deployed its wings, performed a series of preprogrammed maneuvers and flew to a pre-designated position. The mission met all primary test objectives.
“The success of the CTV flight proves Raytheon’s GBU-53/B is on track to demonstrate our low-risk entry into engineering manufacturing development,” said Harry Schulte, Raytheon Missile Systems vice president of Air Warfare Systems. “GBU-53/B’s improved tri-mode seeker represents the most cost-effective, low-risk and highly capable solution for the warfighter to eliminate moving targets in adverse weather.”
The seeker on Raytheon’s GBU-53/B leverages the company’s experience with the proven Non Line-of-Sight-Launch System Precision Attack Missile.
Raytheon Company, with 2008 sales of $23.2 billion, is a technology and innovation leader specializing in defense, homeland security and other government markets throughout the world. With headquarters in Waltham, Mass., Raytheon employs 73,000 people worldwide.
