During the Jotun Strike military exercise, Norwegian soldiers took over the guidance of a GBU-53/B bomb launched by a USAF F-15E fighter through a data link.
The test marks a step in integrating not only different service branches but also units of two countries through network-enabled capabilities.
The Aviationist reported that cooperative guidance is the result of a joint U.S.-Norway work and was made possible through using GBU-53/B’s onboard data-link capabilities and a network using Link-16.
After the GBU-53/B was released, Norwegian personnel took over the guidance to use the man-in-the-loop controls to guide the bomb towards the target.
Importance of the Test
In the case of GBU-53/B, the test can allow for more precise guidance as the guidance is taken over by a party that has identification advantages over the launching part. This means lower chances of hitting the wrong target and hitting the target in a more optimised manner.
It would not be far-fetched to assume that this capability will come to other new munitions to reduce the workload per personnel and optimise engagement.
Other than munitions developed for strike purposes, anti-air missiles could also benefit by having another fire control unit take over the guidance if needed. This could primarily be useful if the main battery’s important components, like radar or fire control station, are knocked out.
GBU 53/B
GBU-53/B is a follow-up to the GBU-39/B SDB, most notably incorporating a tri-mode seeker including IIR, laser, and mmWR sensors to allow the engagement of moving targets in different visibility conditions. Like its predecessor, GBU-53/B can be dropped from quad racks that are compatible with both legacy fighters and F-35’s internal bays.
However, as important as the tri-mode seeker is the aforementioned network-enabled capabilities, making the bomb viable for cooperative engagement.
GBU-53/B carries a 43 kg HE FRAG warhead and has a maximum range of 74 km to 111 km, depending on target movement.
Author: Kaan Azman
Editor: Özgür Ekşi
