Image source: topwar.ru
According to the US Navy, two demonstration flights of an improved version of the JDAM guided bomb, designated JDAM-LR ("long range"), were successfully completed in early April. The corresponding frames are shown online.
During testing, the promising weapon flew about 200 nautical miles (370 km), demonstrating the accuracy of fire "within a few meters," as explained in Boeing. The ammunition was dropped from F/A-18E/F Super Hornet carrier-based fighters.
Due to the increased range, the JDAM-LR significantly expands the strike capabilities of the fleet's fighter aircraft. At the same time, it represents a more cost-effective solution compared to missiles such as the AGM-158, which cost $1 million.
Program manager Captain Sarah Abbott, pointing to the continuation of work, explained the great potential of the new munition.:
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The new product can be used both as an impact weapon and play other roles, for example, acting as a false target or carrier of sea mines. In fact, it is a 500-pound free-fall bomb converted into a small cruise missile for hitting ships and ground targets.
The standard JDAM basic wingless munition can glide to a target at a distance of about 15 miles (24 km), depending on the launch altitude. Thanks to the installation of a retractable wing, the JDAM-ER can already hit targets at a distance of up to 45 miles (72 km). JDAM-LR, having received an additional TDI-J85 turbine engine with a thrust of 200 pounds (90.7 kg) and a cost of about $ 190 thousand, will be able to operate, as expected by Boeing, already at a distance of at least 300 nautical miles (550 km).
TDI-J85 engine on the ground stand:
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Boeing explained that any aircraft that already uses JDAM will also be able to use JDAM-LR. However, for full integration, it is necessary to complete the test cycle.
