Lockheed Martin’s Dual Mode Plus Laser Guided Bomb Completes Flight Tests

Lockheed Martin's new Dual Mode Plus laser guided bomb (LGB) has completed two recent flight tests at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division in China Lake, California.

The tests demonstrated operation of the new linear optics, GPS/Inertial Navigation System (INS) guidance subsystem and the control actuation system, meeting all mission objectives.

Released from an F/A-18 Super Hornet, the two Mk-82 (500-lb.) inert warheads, fitted with Dual Mode Plusguidance kits, impacted fixed targets well within operational performance requirements, the company said in a statement Tuesday.

"Lockheed Martin's Dual Mode Plus benefits from the reliability and affordability of the PavewayTM II Plus LGB system while integrating a GPS/INS, all-weather moving target capability," said Joe Serra, Precision Guided Systems director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control.

Effective against fixed, re-locatable and moving targets, Dual Mode Plus will provide precision strike capabilities in all-weather conditions at extended standoff ranges. Dual Mode Plus maintains Paveway II LGB physical dimensions and integrates with aircraft employing Paveway II LGBs or other similar direct attack weapons utilizing conventional MIL-STD-1760/1553 or Universal Armament Interfaces.