Ground Forces

It’s not PowerPoint

Boeing and Saab have proven that Boeing’s Small Diameter Bomb I (SDB I), originally developed for use by aircraft, can be adapted for launch from a ground artillery system. The companies recently tested the Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB), integrating the SDB I and M26 rocket motor technologies for the Multiple Launch Rocket System. The testing showed that the bomb can withstand a rocket artillery launch without its performance being compromised.

The weapon can do both high and low angles of attack, fly around terrain to hit targets on the back of mountains, or circle back around to attack a target behind the launch vehicle
The weapon can do both high and low angles of attack, fly around terrain to hit targets on the back of mountains, or circle back around to attack a target behind the launch vehicle

«GLSDB combines two highly successful, combat-proven systems into an effective ground forces offensive capability», said Beth Kluba, vice president, Boeing Weapons and Missile Systems. «Boeing and Saab bring together deep knowledge of precision weapon systems and can quickly and cost-effectively deliver GLSDB domestically and around the world. Moreover, this is not developmental, it’s not PowerPoint. It’ hardware, it exists, and through our investment we’re able to bring this capability to the war fighter very quickly».

GLSDB allows the artillery system to reach targets from significantly longer distances, and engage hard-to-reach targets, while maintaining the Small Diameter Bomb’s flight maneuverability and accuracy. Under a teaming agreement signed last year, Boeing and Saab will offer GLSDB to current and future rocket artillery users. The rocket motor used during testing was provided by Nammo.

«Saab and Boeing have a history of successful cooperation that now extends into yet another technology area – precision weapons systems», said Görgen Johansson, Head of the Dynamics Business Area within Saab AB. «Together, we now offer a new and game-changing capability for the U.S. as well as the global market».

The weapon is designed to be launched out of a Multiple Launch Rocket System, used by a number of US allies already, avoiding the need to design a new launch system. That MLRS can hold six weapons per pod, with two pods per vehicle
The weapon is designed to be launched out of a Multiple Launch Rocket System, used by a number of US allies already, avoiding the need to design a new launch system. That MLRS can hold six weapons per pod, with two pods per vehicle

 

Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb

The Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb revolutionizes rocket artillery. GLSDB will provide the warfighter with a long-range, precision fires weapon capable of conducting reverse slope engagements and defeating targets ranging from hardened facilities to soft-skinned assets. With 360-degree target engagement ability, GLSDB provides commanders and planners with a highly flexible weapon that complements existing ballistic trajectory weapons.

GLSDB is an integration of combat proven systems, not a developmental program. It builds upon Boeing’s highly successful Small Diameter Bomb Increment I and existing Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) rockets.

The SDB I is a 250-pound/113.3-kilogram class weapon with an Advanced Anti-Jam Global Positioning System aided Inertial Navigation System, combined with a multipurpose penetrating blast-and-fragmentation warhead and a programmable electronic fuze. The result of this integration is an innovative, low risk weapon that provides significantly more capability over current MLRS rockets.

More than 10,000 SDBs have been built at Boeing’s award-winning, modern production facility in St. Charles, Missouri. Since the first SDB delivery in April 2005, every weapon has been delivered on time and at cost.

The system essentially sticks a GBU-39B small diameter bomb, widely used by the US military and a number of international customers, on the front of a M26 rocket
The system essentially sticks a GBU-39B small diameter bomb, widely used by the US military and a number of international customers, on the front of a M26 rocket

 

General Characteristics

  • Increased range – extends range 60 km/37 miles beyond current Guided MLRS
  • Highly accurate
  • All angle, all aspect attack – even targets behind the launch point
  • Multiple rocket, multiple target, near simultaneous impact
  • All weather, 24/7 availability
  • Terrain avoidance, such as mountains
  • Cave breaching capability
  • Launches from hidden or protected positions to avoid detection
  • Programmable fuze provides impact and delay fuzing for deep penetration or proximity height-of-burst
  • SDB Focused Lethality Munition variant is also an option for low collateral damage
  • Laser SDB variant provides moving target capability

 

Key Performance Factors

  • Compatible with M270A1 MLRS and M142 HIMARS platforms
  • 150 km/93 miles range
  • 360-degree target engagement ability Six rockets per pod

 

Dimensions

  • Length: 154 in/3.9 m
  • Weight: 615 lbs/279 kg
The SDB I is a 250-pound/113.3-kilogram class weapon with an Advanced Anti-Jam Global Positioning System aided Inertial Navigation System, combined with a multipurpose penetrating blast-and-fragmentation warhead and a programmable electronic fuze
The SDB I is a 250-pound/113.3-kilogram class weapon with an Advanced Anti-Jam Global Positioning System aided Inertial Navigation System, combined with a multipurpose penetrating blast-and-fragmentation warhead and a programmable electronic fuze

Warhead

  • Penetrating blast fragmentation
  • Weight: 205 lbs/93 kg – 4340 steel cylindrical case with conical-shaped nose
  • Explosive Fill: 36 lbs/16 kg Insensitive Munition Certified
  • Fuse: Integrated Electronic Safe/Arm Fuse System Impact and Delayed Settings with Height of Burst Sensor
  • Size: 71 in/1.80 m (L) x 7.75 in/0.20 m (H) x 7.5 in/0.19 m (W)
  • Wingspan: 63.3 in/1.60 m (open), 7.5 in/0.19 m (stowed)

 

Guidance Set

  • Inertial Navigation System (INS)/Global Positioning System (GPS)
  • Anti-jam and Selective Availability Anti-Spoofing Module
  • Advanced Core Processor Two Module

 

Defence and security company Saab and Boeing have proven that Boeing’s Small Diameter Bomb I, originally developed for use by aircraft, can be adapted for launch from a ground artillery system