Lockheed Martin Secures Contract for Bomb Kits

Under two contracts from the US Air Force, Lockheed Martin of Bethesda, Md., will provide Paveway II laser-guided bomb kits to replace those deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, has awarded the company $56 million to produce kits for use on 500-lb bombs for the Air Force and $53 million to provide them for use on 500- and 1000-lb bombs for the US Navy. Designed to enhance the accuracy of gravity weapons, the kits are expected to reduce collateral damage and risks to US and allied ground troops. They consist of a front-end guidance system and the Air Foil Group, which includes flight stability fins.