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Ground-launched variant of GBU-53 StormBreaker
Raytheon has completed a test for a ground-launched variant of the GBU-53 StormBreaker Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) smart weapon. The business designed, developed and tested the new variant in 50 days.
The test was held this spring at a private test range in the Mojave Desert. A prototype of the new StormBreaker was launched using a commercial off-the-shelf rocket motor. It achieved key milestones including reaching approximately 20,000 feet of altitude.
“Recent global conflicts have highlighted the need for a smart, ground-launched, precision strike weapon that can perform in GPS-contested areas,” said Sam Deneke, president of Air & Space Defense Systems at Raytheon, in a company news release. “StormBreaker is a composable weapon, which allows it to be customized to meet mission demands. Using the foundational components of air-launched StormBreaker allowed us to move faster than ever before, going from concept to test flight in under two months.”
The only fielded, network-enabled smart weapon
StormBreaker is the only fielded, network-enabled smart weapon that can engage moving and stationary targets in fair and adverse weather conditions, at land or at sea. It is approved for use on the F-15E and the F/A-18-E/F Super Hornet and is currently being integrated on the F-35A/B/C. SDB II will also be compatible and fielded on F-16C/D.
Raytheon has invested significantly in independent research and development, capital assets and facilities, and the acquisition of subject matter experts to accelerate the development of Ground-Launched StormBreaker. The new variant covers the same target set as air-launched StormBreaker with extended range and expanded offensive capabilities. Additional tests will be held throughout 2025.
SDB II is an air-launched, precision-strike standoff weapon that enables the warfighter to defeat moving and fixed targets. It can operate in adverse weather conditions through its tri-mode seeker that employs infrared and millimeter wave radar to see through fog, smoke and rain.
Innovative multimode seeker
StormBreaker features an innovative multimode seeker that guides the weapon by using an imaging infrared camera, millimeter-wave radar, and semi-active laser in addition to, or with, GPS and inertial navigation system guidance.
StormBreaker’s small size lets fewer aircraft address the same number of targets compared to larger weapons that require multiple jets. It can also fly more than 40 miles to strike moving land and maritime targets, reducing the amount of time that aircrews spend in harm’s way.
The weapon has the capability to receive updated target coordinates mid-flight via two-way datalink communications. Using these network options, SDB II allows airborne or ground controllers the ability to send in-flight target updates.
Photo credit: Raytheon
