OVERVIEW: The Joint Direct Attack Munition-Extended Range (JDAM-ER) is an inertial guided, GPS-aided, glide bomb using a bolt-on guidance and aerodynamic package mated to a Mk 82 500 pound GP bomb. 

DETAILS: JDAM is intended to provide accurate delivery of general purpose bombs in adverse weather conditions.  The JDAM-ER differs from other JDAM versions by in that it has wings that unfold in flight to triple the range from 15 mi (24 km) to over 45 mi (72 km). 

Before take off, mission plans including release envelope, target coordinates and weapon terminal parameters are loaded to the host aircraft prior to take off.  Before release,   INS alignment and targeting data and is automatically loaded to the weapon. 

The JDAM is a "fire-and-forget" weapon system.  Once released, the bomb's INS/GPS guides the bomb to the target, allowing the launching aircraft to take evasive action without having to guide the weapon.  The INS is capable of guiding the JDAM to target independently of the GPS, albeit at a reduced accuracy.  This gives the JDAM the capability of operating even in a high-jamming environment.

The JDAM can be launched from very low to very high altitude and can be launched in a dive, toss, loft or in straight and level flight with an on-axis.  Off-axis delivery is also possible, albeit with a decrease in bomb range. JDAM also allows multiple target engagements on a single pass delivery.



Specifications: 

Weight: 		254kg
Length: 		2.352m
Wingspan:		0.356m
Speed:			 unkn knts 
Range:			39.0 nm (altitude dependant)
Accuracy:		CEP: 30 meters w/o GPS; 13 m with GPS and INS


NOTES:  IOC 2004. The modular nature of the kit means that it can be easily upgraded as technology improves and options such as improved laser sensors, GPS jamming immunity and an all-weather radar sensors can be added.
 
 
 
SOURCES: IHS. "GBU-31, GBU-32 and GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM)." Jane's Air-Launched Weapons, Feburary 2015;  "Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) GBU-31 - Smart Weapons." Federation Of American Scientists. Accessed December 29, 2019. https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/smart/jdam.htm ; "Boeing JDAM." Designation-Systems.Net. Last modified August 21, 2008. http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app5/jdam.html; "Boeing and RAAF Triple Bomb Range with New JDAM-ER Kit." New Atlas. Last modified February 27, 2015. https://newatlas.com/jdam-er-test-boeing-raaf/36250/.