The Joint Direct Attack Munition – Extended Range (JDAM-ER), equipped with wing attachments developed from DSTO technology, has successfully passed the latest round of tests aimed at further proving its glide capability.
DSTO developed the gliding mechanism in a wing attachment that enables the 500-pound JDAM weapon to accurately find long-range targets, giving the launch aircraft a fire-and-forget capability at a safe standoff distance, well out of harm’s way from enemy threats on the ground.
By increasing range and accuracy, the delivery of the weapon will be more effective, allowing a single aircraft to engage multiple targets while the extended range also increases the survivability of the aircrew and the aircraft launching the weapon.
The JDAM-ER wing kit was developed by Boeing’s Hawker de Havilland subsidiary from DSTO’s Kerkanya technology.
The recent tests, conducted at the Woomera Test Facility in South Australia by the Aerospace Operational Support Group on RAAF F/A-18 Hornet aircraft, demonstrated further performance enhancements of the system.
The latest tests were conducted under the scope of a DMO Industry Division Minor Project to further develop the JDAM-ER into a usable product.
If the wing kits are commercially viable, there is likely to be significant Australian industry involvement in the manufacturing activities.
Consideration will now be given to further develop the wing kits for commercial production.