GBU-53/B StormBreaker
| GBU-53/B StormBreaker | |
|---|---|
Stormbreaker mockup at Dubai Air Show 2019 | |
| Type | Glide bomb |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| In service | September 2020 – present |
| Used by | United States Air Force United States Navy |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Raytheon Company |
| Manufacturer | Raytheon Technologies |
| Unit cost | US$195,000 (2021 Air Force) US$220,916 (2021 Navy) US$128,771(FY15) US$227,146 inc R&D (FY15) |
| Produced | January 2014–present |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 204 lb (93 kg) |
| Length | 69 in (176 cm) |
| Diameter | 6–7 in (15–18 cm) |
| Warhead | 105 lb (48 kg) |
Operational range | 60 nmi (69 mi; 111 km), 40 nmi (46 mi; 74 km) against moving targets |
Guidance system | Millimeter wave Active radar homing / Semi-active laser guidance / Infrared homing (using an uncooled imaging infrared camera) / GPS coupled Inertial guidance / Data-link |
The GBU-53/B StormBreaker, previously known as the Small Diameter Bomb II, is an American air-launched, precision-guided glide bomb.
Development was started in 2006 for a 250 pounds (113 kg) class bomb that can identify and strike mobile targets from standoff distances in all weather conditions. It is integrated on the F-15E Strike Eagle in 2020 and F/A-18 Super Hornet and will be integrated into the F-35 Lightning fighter. Its first flight was announced on May 1, 2009. A contract to start low rate initial production was awarded to Raytheon in June 2015.
The bomb is developed and manufactured by Raytheon. A Boeing/Lockheed Martin team attempted to develop it but lost in a U.S. Air Force competition. Boeing won the original competition but the project was on hold for several years due to a corruption scandal involving Darleen Druyun. The competition was reopened in September 2005.