Boeing Wins $75M Contract to Produce Long-Range Precision-Guided Weapon

The US Air Force has awarded Boeing a $75 million contract to begin production of the Joint Direct Attack Munition Long Range (GBU-75), a new precision-guided weapon capable of striking targets over 300 nautical miles away.

The GBU-75 builds on the existing Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) system, using many of the same components and guidance systems, but adds folding wings and a compact turbojet engine.

Boeing previously invested nearly $100 million in developing the system, and says it can be produced in high volume and quickly integrated into the existing fleet due to its compatibility with current aircraft.

The new weapon recently completed its first flight test off the coast of California, demonstrating its ability to sustain powered flight, use military-code GPS navigation, and maintain consistent guidance all the way to its target.