Lockheed Martin wins $50 million laser-guided bomb kit contract

September 19, 2005, Archbald, PA--Lockheed Martin has received a contract valued at approximately $50 million to deliver laser-guided bomb (LGB) kits to the U.S. Air Force next year. The contract, for manufacture and delivery of GBU-12 kits, represents more than half of the U.S. Air Force's requirements for the current fiscal year.

Each guidance kit consists of a computer control group (CCG), which is the front-end guidance system, plus an air foil group (AFG), which includes flight fins providing lift and stability. The CCG uses a semi-active laser seeker and pneumatically-controlled guidance canards along with the AFG to direct munition to the target. The system is designed to convert "dumb gravity" bombs into precision-guided munitions, with a level of accuracy that allows target destruction while reducing collateral damage.

GBU-16 kits are used on 1000-lb bombs, while GBU-10 and GBU-12 kits are used on 2000- and 500-lb bombs, respectively. Lockheed Martin kits can be used by all Air Force, Navy, and international aircraft currently authorized to carry and release LGBs. Lockheed Martin has delivered more than 25,000 kits to the Air Force, Navy, and international customers.