The US Navy has tested a new jet bomb with the range of a cruise missile
The US Navy has announced the successful testing of a new air-launched guided bomb based on the Joint Direct Attack Munition. This is the long-range variant, the JDAM Long Range, which can be launched from F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jets based on aircraft carriers. According to the US military, the tests took place in early April off the coast of California, reports Business Insider.
During two tests, the bomb demonstrated safe separation from the aircraft, compatibility with existing systems, and guided flight with precise targeting. In each instance, it covered approximately 200 nautical miles whilst maintaining stable guidance towards the target.
The new version is equipped with a small turbojet engine, which distinguishes it from standard JDAMs, which have no propulsion of their own and glide towards the target. This gives the munition characteristics similar to those of a cruise missile.
According to Boeing’s estimates, the JDAM Long Range’s range can exceed 300 nautical miles when using a 500-pound warhead, and with an additional fuel tank, it can exceed 700 nautical miles. The US Navy notes that such a system allows strikes to be delivered from a safe distance outside the range of enemy air defences. Sarah Abbott, head of the precision-guided munitions programme, stated that this capability allows pilots to engage targets from much safer distances.
The US Navy emphasises that one of the key advantages of the new development is its cost. Standard JDAMs cost tens of thousands of dollars, whilst cruise missiles can exceed one million dollars per unit. The next stage will be the integration of the system with fleet vessels.
