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2021 Sdbii

The Small Diameter Bomb Increment II program continued integration testing on fighter jets and started early flight testing on the F-35 jet. The Navy conducted four unsuccessful test missions with the bomb on F/A-18 jets due to configuration errors, datalink failures, and software issues. The bomb is a 250-pound, precision-guided glide weapon that can hit moving targets in adverse weather using datalinks for targeting updates.

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16 views2 pages

2021 Sdbii

The Small Diameter Bomb Increment II program continued integration testing on fighter jets and started early flight testing on the F-35 jet. The Navy conducted four unsuccessful test missions with the bomb on F/A-18 jets due to configuration errors, datalink failures, and software issues. The bomb is a 250-pound, precision-guided glide weapon that can hit moving targets in adverse weather using datalinks for targeting updates.

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Small Diameter Bomb Increment II

The Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) Increment II


program continued integration testing on the
F/A‑18E/F and started early flight testing on the
F-35. In FY21, the Navy executed four F/A‑18E/F
missions with the SDB II as part of the quick reaction
assessment, but all four were unsuccessful.

System Description
The SDB II, also known as the GBU-53/B Stormbreaker, is a 250-pound class, air-to-ground glide weapon capable
of destroying moving targets in adverse weather. It uses deployable wings to increase standoff range and is
also the first Network Enabled Weapon using weapon datalink, allowing post-launch tracking and control of the
weapon via Inflight Target Updates (IFTUs). The new multi-mode seeker uses both a millimeter-wave radar and
an infrared sensor to operate in adverse weather using the Normal Attack mode. It also has Laser Illuminated
Attack and Coordinate Attack modes for maximum employment flexibility. Once launched, the SDB II guides to
a designated target cue, which is updated inflight via the weapon datalink until the seeker locates, identifies (if
able), and provides terminal guidance to the target. The SDB II incorporates a multi-function warhead designed
to defeat armored and non-armored targets. The weapon can be set to initiate on impact, at a preset height
above the intended target, or in a delayed mode to enable target penetration.

Program
SDB II is an Acquisition Category ID program intended to deliver capabilities deferred from SDB I. DOT&E
approved the SDB II Milestone C Test and Evaluation Master Plan (TEMP) in April 2015. A TEMP update
containing a cybersecurity strategy for Phase II is expected in FY22. The Air Force fielded the SDB II on the
F-15E in FY20 following completion of Multiservice Operational Test and Evaluation (MOT&E) Phase I. The Navy
intends to complete the Quick Reaction Assessment and field the SDB II on the F/A-18E/F in FY22. The MOT&E
Phase II on the F-35 is scheduled to be completed in FY24. Specifically, developmental test and OT&E of the
SDB II on the F-35B is expected to take place in FY22, leading to an early operational capability declaration,
while developmental test and IOT&E on the F-35C is scheduled to start in FY23, leading to an initial operational
capability declaration and full-rate production decision.

228 SDB II
Major Contractor Suitability
Raytheon Missile Division – Tucson, Arizona. SDB II is operationally suitable as employed by the
F-15E. During F/A-18E/F integration the weapon
has been reliable, but aircraft OFP and equipment
Test Adequacy issues have resulted in four failed tests and several
SDB II testing in FY21 included developmental test cancelled missions. The complexity of cryptographic
flight science environmental/loads testing and information delivery, loading, and mission planning,
jettison missions on the F-35B. including exclusion zone creation processes,
continues to be a problem, with only modest mission
The Navy performed four F/A-18E/F missions with planning improvements incorporated into the Joint
the SDB II as part of the quick reaction assessment, Mission Planning System to date. These problems
but all four were unsuccessful. were first identified during F-15E testing of the SDB II.

Phase I cybersecurity testing conducted by the Air


Survivability
Force was inadequate to support SDB II survivability
evaluation in a cyber-contested environment. The The survivability of the SDB II in a cyber-contested
extensive test shortfalls from Phase I need to be environment is currently unknown due to the lack of
addressed during planned MOT&E Phase II testing. adequate test assets provided by the vendor.

Performance Recommendations
1. The Navy should develop and fund an adequate
Effectiveness MOT&E Phase II cybersecurity T&E strategy to
support an evaluation of SDB II survivability in a
The SDB II is operationally effective as employed by cyber-contested environment.
the F-15E.
2. The Navy and Air Force should streamline the
The first three F/A-18E/F missions were unsuccessful mission planning process to decrease the required
due to configuration errors, datalink entry failures, and timeline and increase reliability, particularly with
aircraft software deficiencies. The Navy has resolved regard to cryptographic data entry.
these hardware and software deficiencies. A fourth 3. The DOD should continue to advocate for
test was also unsuccessful, and analysis of that event operationally suitable initiatives to streamline the
is ongoing. cryptographic information delivery, loading, and
The SDB II demonstrated the expected lethality verification process.
against target surrogates for legacy main battle
tank, infantry fighting vehicle, anti-aircraft gun,
surface‑to‑air missile target-erector-launcher, rocket
launcher, and small patrol boat targets.

SDB II 229

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