USAF seeks interim 500 lb bomb with moving target capability

SpudmanWP · by **SpudmanWP** » 19 Jun 2018, 02:45

The Paragon is LM's entry into the advanced Paveway-type of bomb.

https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/pr ... ragon.html

https://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/ ... gon-pc.pdf

It used to be called LM's DMLGB.

steve2267 · by **steve2267** » 19 Jun 2018, 20:38

So Paragon appears to be JDAM + laser guidance with moving target capability and retains the same airfoil and outer mold lines of current JDAM kits.

From https://www.lockheedmartin.com/en-us/pr ... ragon.html

Double The Capability

This dual-mode weapon system combines our mature laser guidance kit with the latest inertial navigation system (INS)/GPS technology for precision strike against high priority fixed, relocatable and moving targets. By maintaining existing laser-guided bomb mass properties, outer mold line and compatibility with the existing airfoil group, Paragon effortlessly integrates with existing platforms that already employ JDAM-series weapons to avoid complex and costly aircraft operational flight program changes.

Our Paragon direct attack munition provides greater mission flexibility by minimizing impact to existing logistics infrastructure and handling, being fully compatible with 500-lb, 1,000-lb and 2,000-lb warheads, and offering an enhanced launch acceptable region that increases standoff range and cross-range capability. By increasing the inventory of dual-mode weapons, Warfighters will experience greater operational relative utility to hold all potential target sets at risk on every sortie, in nearly every tactical environment.

more at the jump

SpudmanWP · by **SpudmanWP** » 19 Jun 2018, 21:18

PavewayII kits, not JDAM.

Basically PavewayII with GPS and moving target (ie leading the target) capability.

steve2267 · by **steve2267** » 19 Jun 2018, 21:21

OK, I fubar'd the JDAM reference, as the "kit" is a Paveway add-on kit, not the JDAM strakes etc.

The end result is Paragon combines INS + GPS + Laser with a moving target capability, correct?

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 19 Jun 2018, 21:24

Pic from the PARAGON Product Card:

https://www.lockheedmartin.com/content/ ... gon-pc.pdf (2.2Mb)

marauder2048 · by **marauder2048** » 02 Nov 2018, 10:22

Didn't see this progress mentioned.

http://aviationweek.com/awindefense/us-air-force-f-35s-will-employ-gbu-49s

U.S. Air Force F-35s Will Employ GBU-49s
Oct 22, 2018 Lee Hudson
HILL AFB, Utah—In early November U.S. Air Force F-35As will employ the 500-lb. GBU-49 during an exercise at Eglin, AFB, Florida, an F-35 pilot ...

spazsinbad · by **spazsinbad** » 02 Nov 2018, 10:26

Mere NONsubscribers cannot see it: http://aviationweek.com/awindefense/us- ... oy-gbu-49s

ricnunes · by **ricnunes** » 02 Nov 2018, 19:03

Cool

So, GBU-49... Checked!

(and tested

)

marauder2048 · by **marauder2048** » 18 Nov 2018, 06:40

https://www.acc.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/1692474/388th-fw-drops-gbu-49-in-combat-training/