The US Air Force (USAF) has awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin for follow-on production of Paveway II Plus laser-guided bomb (LGB) kits.

Representing the majority share of 2016 funding, the $87.6m contract also represents the eighth consecutive award for the company in the annual Air Force competition.

Under the contract, the company will deliver guidance and tail assemblies for GBU-10 (2,000lb) and GBU-12 (500lb) LGB configurations.

Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control precision guided systems director Joe Serra said:  “Our efficient and cost-effective manufacturing enables us to offer the US Air Force and our allies a cost-effective solution for their LGB requirements.

“Paveway II Plus LGB provides US and allied warfighters with a reliable direct-attack capability to help them achieve their mission in today’s air-to-ground engagements.”

Compatible with the MK-80 series and BLU-109 warheads, Paveway II Plus LGB integrates an advanced guidance system to convert conventional gravity bombs into precision guided munitions.

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The weapon is guided by a semi-active laser seeker and pneumatically controlled canards.

The air foil group (AFG) including extended wings will provide lift and stability to the weapon, Lockheed said in a statement.

"Paveway II Plus LGB provides US and allied warfighters with a reliable direct-attack capability to help them achieve their mission in today’s air-to-ground engagements."

Lockheed Martin provider all three Paveway II MK-80 series LGB variants, including GBU-10 MK-84, GBU-12 MK-82 and GBU-16 MK-83 (1,000lb).

The company also provides the Enhanced Laser Guided Training Round and Dual Mode LGB kits.

To date, Lockheed has delivered more than 150,000 training rounds, more than 75,000 Paveway II LGB kits and approximately 7,000 dual-mode systems to the US Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and more than 20 international customers.


Image: GBU-12 Paveway II. Photo: courtesy of US Air Force.