Dual Mode Plus in new flight tests
Lockheed Martin’s Dual Mode Plus laser guided bomb (LGB) has chalked up new successes in recent flight tests, the company announced on 8 August.
The testing, carried out at the Naval Air Warfare Center Weapons Division in China Lake, California, demonstrated operation of the new linear optics, GPS/Inertial Navigation System guidance subsystem and the control actuation system.
Two Mk-82 (500-lb) inert warheads fitted with Dual Mode Plus guidance kits were released from an F/A-18 Super Hornet, with both impacting fixed targets 'well within' operational performance requirements.
According to Lockheed Martin, all mission objectives were met.
Dual Mode Plus is designed to improve mission effectiveness by providing precision strike capabilities in all-weather conditions at extended standoff ranges. It is effective against fixed, relocatable and moving targets.
Dual Mode Plus maintains Paveway II LGB physical dimensions and integrates with aircraft employing Paveway II LGBs or other similar direct attack weapons that use conventional MIL-STD-1760/1553 or Universal Armament Interfaces.
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