Small Diameter Bomb (SDB)

Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) is a joint Department of the Air Force (USAF) and Department of the Navy (DON) program aimed at increasing joint lethality in contested environments. The program focuses on integrating the SDB II weapon with the BRU-61 rack on F-35B and F-35C aircraft, as well as modifying the USAF BRU-61 four-place bomb rack for F-35 and DoN shipboard environments. The specific goals include enhancing close combat lethality in complex terrain, providing net-centric operations capability, and conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks to meet validated requirements prior to full-rate production decision.

Project 1663, SDB II F-18 Integration, is part of the larger SDB II program and focuses on integrating the SDB II weapon with BRU-55 on F/A-18 E/F aircraft. The program aims to deliver the capability to the warfighter by funding aircraft software, integration, and testing required to successfully integrate SDB II and BRU-55 on the F/A-18 E/F to meet a FY 2023 Initial Operational Capability (IOC). The specific objectives include limited envelope and midboard station testing, followed by full envelope testing and integration of the Universal Armament Interface (UAI) software into the F/A-18 E/F Operational Flight Program (OFP).

Overall, these programs are funded under Research, Development, Test & Evaluation activities aimed at meeting validated requirements prior to full-rate production decision. The specific objectives include conducting engineering and manufacturing development tasks, integrating weapons with aircraft platforms, and conducting flight testing to ensure operational capability.