The mission: Guided bomb testing including GPS jamming
Validating the performance of a GPS- and laser-guided bomb unit (GBU) weapon system is a complex task. To test such large live bombs, our customer needed a vast, remote and unpopulated range that could also facilitate demanding GPS jamming and the use of laser guidance.
The main challenge in this project was the sheer volume of testing that needed to be completed within a limited time. The customer’s weapon system was a live 500 kg GPS- and laser-guided bomb (GBU-48) released from a Eurofighter. We were also faced with the challenge of the use of laser, which brought with it extra safety demands.
The trials included GPS jamming, which also required additional time and permits, as well as demanding expert knowledge of a jamming system’s performance, terrain, flight of aircraft and weapon system.
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The solution: Live bombs on ground targets
Located in the north of Sweden and offering the largest overland proving ground in Europe, FMV’s Vidsel Test Range was the natural choice for a project involving large live GBUs released on moving ground targets. Its huge size and remote location allowed our customer to test undisturbed in one of the few locations where GPS jamming and laser-guided weapon testing are actually possible.
Having successfully supported earlier trials with 1000 kg bombs for this customer, they knew FMV Test and Evaluation (T&E) had the experience and specialist support needed for their demanding technical requirements, including full test management with GPS jamming. During this type of trial, aircraft, ground targets and test systems all have to be coordinated in time and space by the Flight Test Leader to achieve optimal results.
Learn about the T&E possibilities at our FMV Vidsel Test Range
The result: Meeting strict air weapon systems requirements
This thorough and well-documented test project verified that weapon integration worked properly during all required conditions, ensuring the customer could proceed with the sound knowledge – and detailed data – on how their weapon system was performing, all in the most realistic setting possible.
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Services delivered
- Access to the Vidsel Test Range
- A 3300 km² unpopulated restricted ground space with mixed terrain
- Advanced urban target scenarios
- Customised remotely controlled moving ground targets
- Hangar and preparation facilities
- GPS jamming
- Accurate documentation of bomb trajectory with optical and radar systems
- Impact registration with high-speed video