Boeing Delivers 1st Production Laser JDAM Kits to US Navy

Boeing Delivers 1st Production Laser JDAM Kits to US Navy

ST. LOUIS, Nov. 14, 2008 -- The Boeing Company [NYSE: BA] has delivered the first production Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM) guidance kits to the U.S. Navy, addressing the service's need to engage fast-moving land targets.

"The combined Navy/Boeing team has done an incredible job turning this urgent need around in record time to meet the warfighter's requirement," said Capt. Mathias Winter, U.S. Navy program manager for Precision Strike Weapons. "We look forward to watching Laser JDAM provide the tactical edge needed to successfully fight the fight and win."

The initial delivery to the Navy follows the completion of an extensive LJDAM flight test program at the Naval Air Warfare Center, China Lake, Calif., including tests on the F/A-18C/D and AV-8B Harrier aircraft. During the tests, LJDAM successfully engaged both stationary and moving targets, including one traveling at 85 miles per hour. Additional flight tests and clearance activities on the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet are expected to begin later this year.

"The successful test program has demonstrated Laser JDAM's extreme accuracy and effectiveness in engaging fast-moving land targets," said Dan Jaspering, Direct Attack program manager for Boeing. "We are proud that these deliveries support the Navy's schedule for this urgently needed capability."

LJDAM adds a Precision Laser Guidance Set to the standard JDAM guidance tail kit to acquire and track laser-targeted signals. The U.S. Air Force fielded LJDAM in May and has used it successfully in combat.

A unit of The Boeing Company, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is one of the world's largest space and defense businesses specializing in innovative and capabilities-driven customer solutions, and the world's largest and most versatile manufacturer of military aircraft.

Headquartered in St. Louis, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems is a $32.1 billion business with 71,000 employees worldwide.
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