THE US AIR FORCE has completed operational tests of Texas Instruments' Paveway GBU-28A/B laser-guided bomb.
The tests were carried out at White Sands Missile Range, New Mexico, using McDonnell Douglas F-15Es and General Dynamics F-111Fs. Targets included hardened bunkers. The bomb is designed to penetrate more than 6m (20ft) of reinforced concrete.
The bunker-buster was developed by the USAF, Texas Instruments and Lockheed in record time and deployed successfully in the 1991 Desert Storm conflict.
The tests completed the development and test phase of one product-improvement programme. The programmes include greater penetration and ease of production. Texas Instruments upgraded and expanded guidance algorithms for the seeker software.
Source: Flight International