U.S. Navy orders 4,000+ laser guided training rounds

The U.S. Department of Defense has announced on 28 January, that the U.S. Navy ordered almost 4000 Laser Guided Training Rounds BDU-59B/B.

According to a statement, Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control is awarded $16,089,088 for modification P00005 to a previously awarded firm-fixed-price contract (N00019-17-C-0022).  This modification provides for the procurement of 4,320 Laser Guided Training Rounds BDU-59B/B. 

Work is expected to be completed in December 2021.  

According to Lockheed Martin, the BDU-59B/B is a realistic Paveway II Laser Guided Bomb (LGB) tactical employment training system. BDU-59B/B replicates the key performance and laser engagement requirements of Paveway laser guided weapon systems.

New training rounds is a cost-effective and prudent training solution for Warfighters—both aircrew and terminal air controllers.

BDU-59B/B accurately emulates the employment characteristics of Paveway II Laser Guided Bombs (LGBs) and provides live-fire training so aircrews can practice and refine delivery tactics in tactical mission environments while conserving operational weapon assets; and terminal air controllers can more effectively employ end-game lasing techniques.

The multi-carriage BDU-59B/B further improves Paveway II LGB training efficiency and lowers total cost through use of multiple units during a single training sortie. In addition, multi-carriage system offers dramatically improved training opportunities for Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA).