Raytheon GPS-Guided EGBU-15 Weapons Fielded By Air Force
TUCSON, Ariz.---Raytheon Company has delivered the first operational Global Positioning System-guided EGBU-15 glide weapons to the U.S. Air Force.
An unspecified quantity of the EGBU-15s was deployed to U.S. Air Forces Europe, where units recently received training, according to Lt. Col. Mike Smith, Precision Strike System Program Office, Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.
The EGBU-15 promises to add to the standoff range and firepower of the Boeing F-15E, the only U.S. fighter qualified to carry the weapon. The upgrade gives the weapon an all-weather capability it previously did not possess. The GPS navigation equipment is bolted inside the main body of the munition so the existing daytime television guidance and nighttime imaging infrared systems can remain in place. The EGBU-15 can be guided to the target by GPS alone, or the aircrew can take control and remotely guide the weapon to the target.
Raytheon Systems Company developed, tested and delivered the EGBU-15 in 44 days, one day earlier than the 45-day timeline directed by Gen. Michael Ryan, Air Force Chief of Staff. This acceleration advanced the program more than three years ahead of schedule, according to Frank Robbins, head of the Air Force's precision strike weapons program at Eglin. The Air Force is expected to upgrade up to 1500 additional GBU-15s to the EGBU-15 configuration.
"The Air Force had a critical need for a GPS upgrade to the GBU-15, and Raytheon was committed to getting this enhanced capability to the warfighter as quickly as possible," said Jerry Lockard, Raytheon Systems Company vice president responsible for the Missile Systems business unit, Tucson, Ariz. "This is the type responsiveness the U.S. warfighter deserves."
Raytheon Company, based in Lexington, Mass., is a global technology leader that provides products and services in the areas of commercial and defense electronics, engineering and construction, and business and special mission aircraft. Raytheon has operations throughout the United States and serves customers in more than 80 countries around the world.
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Raytheon GPS-Guided EGBU-15 Weapons Fielded By Air Force
