Joint Direct Attack Munition

Joint Direct Attack Munitions
(JDAM)
A Mk 84 bomb fitted with GBU-31 JDAM kit
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In serviceSince 1999
Used bySee operators
Wars
Production history
DesignerMcDonnell Douglas
DesignedLate 1980s–1996
ManufacturerBoeing Defense, Space & Security
Unit costUS $21,000–$36,000[note 1]
VariantsSee variants
Specifications (see specifications)
Launch
platform
F-15E, F-16, F/A-18, F/A-18E/F, AV-8B, A-10, B-1B, B-52H, F-22, B-2A, F-35, MQ-9, MiG-29, Su-27, Tornado, Gripen
ReferencesJanes[3][4] & The War Zone[1][2]

The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs", into all-weather precision-guided munitions (PGMs). JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, giving them a published range of up to 15 nautical miles (28 km). JDAM-equipped bombs range from 500 to 2,000 pounds (230 to 910 kg).[5] The JDAM's guidance system was jointly developed by the United States Air Force and United States Navy, hence the "joint" in JDAM.[6] When installed on a bomb, the JDAM kit is given a GBU (Guided Bomb Unit) identifier, superseding the Mark 80 or BLU (Bomb, Live Unit) nomenclature of the bomb to which it is attached.

The JDAM is not a stand-alone weapon; rather it is a "bolt-on" guidance package that converts unguided gravity bombs into PGMs. The key components of the system are a tail section with aerodynamic control surfaces, a (body) strake kit, and a combined inertial guidance system and GPS guidance control unit.[6]

The JDAM was meant to improve upon laser-guided bomb and imaging infrared technology, which can be hindered by bad ground and weather conditions. Laser seekers are now being fitted to some JDAMs.[7]

From 1998 to November 2016, Boeing completed more than 300,000 JDAM guidance kits. In 2017 it built more than 130 kits per day.[8] As of January 2024, 550,000 kits had been produced.[9]

  1. ^ a b Trevithick, Joseph (18 February 2020). "Here Is What Each Of The Pentagon's Air-Launched Missiles And Bombs Actually Cost". The Drive. Archived from the original on 24 November 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  2. ^ a b Newdick, Thomas; Rogoway, Tyler (15 December 2022). "What Joint Direct Attack Munitions Could Do For Ukraine". The Drive. Archived from the original on 16 December 2023. Retrieved 28 August 2023.
  3. ^ Janes (1 June 2023), "GBU-31/32/38 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM)", Janes Weapons: Air Launched, Coulsdon, Surrey: Jane's Group UK Limited., retrieved 28 August 2023
  4. ^ Janes (30 May 2023), "GBU-54/55/56 Laser Joint Direct Attack Munition (LJDAM)", Janes Weapons: Air Launched, Coulsdon, Surrey: Jane's Group UK Limited., retrieved 28 August 2023
  5. ^ Hansen, Ryan (17 March 2006). "JDAM continues to be warfighter's weapon of choice". U.S. Air Force. Archived from the original on 6 September 2021. Retrieved 27 July 2007.
  6. ^ a b "Joint Direct Attack Munition GBU- 31/32/38". U.S. Air Force. 18 June 2003. Archived from the original on 28 December 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2014.
  7. ^ "Laser Guided JDAM Debuts in Iraq". Defense Update. 27 August 2007. Archived from the original on 25 September 2023. Retrieved 5 October 2010.
  8. ^ Bogan, Jesse (27 January 2017). "Boeing boosts production of precision-guided bomb kits made in St. Charles to fight ongoing wars by air". St Louis Post-Dispatch. Archived from the original on 4 April 2023.
  9. ^ "Boeing: Boeing - Precision Engagement Systems". www.boeing.com. Retrieved 2024-01-22.


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