The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a guidance kit that transforms unguided bombs into precision-guided weapons. Produced by Boeing, it equips bombs with a GPS/Inertial Navigation System (INS) and tail section for enhanced accuracy. The modular design of the JDAM allows for the addition of a laser sensor kit, creating the Laser JDAM. This enhancement provides the capability to engage moving targets, including mobile land and maritime targets, supplementing the all-weather GPS/INS guidance of conventional JDAMs. So, Is Jdam Laser Guided? The answer is that while standard JDAMs rely on GPS/INS, the Laser JDAM variant incorporates laser guidance for increased precision against specific targets.
The integration of laser guidance significantly expands the operational capabilities of the JDAM.
Alt: U.S. Air Force personnel loading a Laser JDAM GBU-38 onto an aircraft, showcasing its integration and deployment.
The Laser JDAM is operational on various U.S. military aircraft, including the U.S. Air Force’s F-15E and F-16, as well as the U.S. Navy’s F/A-18 and A/V-8B platforms. Boeing completed the development and testing of the Laser JDAM in under 17 months, delivering the first production units to the U.S. Air Force in May 2008. This rapid development and deployment highlight the urgent need for precision strike capabilities in modern warfare.
Combat deployment of the Laser JDAM began in Iraq in August 2008. The U.S. Navy received its first Laser JDAMs in October 2008. Recognizing the weapon’s potential, the Navy selected Laser JDAM in March 2010 to fulfill its Direct Attack Moving Target Capability (DAMTC) requirement, underscoring the importance of precision against moving targets.
Alt: A U.S. Navy F/A-18F Super Hornet releasing a Laser JDAM during a live-fire exercise, demonstrating its air-to-ground capabilities.
In March 2011, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) awarded Boeing an $8 million contract for 700 Lot 1 Laser JDAM sensor kits. This contract marked a significant production milestone for the Laser JDAM program, ensuring a steady supply of these enhanced guidance kits to the U.S. Navy.
The Laser JDAM offers several key advantages. It is highly accurate and can be deployed in all-weather conditions. The JDAM can be launched from a distance of over 15 miles from the target, increasing the safety of the launch platform. GPS satellites contribute to the weapon’s guidance.
Alt: Close-up view of the Laser JDAM guidance system, emphasizing its precision targeting capabilities and sensor technology.
The Laser JDAM has been integrated with the GBU-38, a 500-pound bomb. Integration with the GBU-31, a 2,000-pound bomb, is planned, further expanding the weapon’s versatility and effectiveness against a wider range of targets.
In conclusion, while the standard JDAM relies on GPS/INS guidance, the Laser JDAM adds laser guidance to engage mobile targets with greater precision. This enhanced capability makes the Laser JDAM a crucial asset for modern military operations, providing flexibility and accuracy in dynamic combat scenarios.
