StormBreaker (formerly SDB II) is a joint USAF-Navy program to develop as a low-yield, precision guided munition capable of striking moving targets in all-weather from up to 46 miles away.
Its size allows it to be carried in fighter or bomber internal weapons bays or to increase overall loadout to enable more independent strikes per sortie. Several StormBreakers can be simultaneously released against multiple targets.
SDB II adds a millimeter-wave radar, imaging IR, and semi-active laser packaged into a tri-mode seeker. The bomb is retargetable after release.
Improvements include reduced susceptibility to countermeasures and network-enablement through Link 16/UHF data links.
LRIP production began in 2015 and USAF awarded the current LRIP Lot 6 in October 2020. SDB II began operational testing in June 2018 and achieved initial fielding on the F-15E Sept. 23, 2020.
The fielding decision paves the way for IOC a year later than anticipated, and testing is underway for follow-on fielding on the F-35 and Navy F-18E/F Super Hornet. FY21 funding supports production of up to 1,133 SDB IIs.
Contractor: Raytheon.
First Flight: 2012.
IOC: 2019.
Production: 12,000 (planned).
Active Variant: •GBU-53/B SDB II. Tri-mode guided 250-lb low-yield bomb.
Dimensions: Bomb: length 5.75 ft, wingspan 5.6 ft, diameter 7 in.
Performance: Near-precision capability at standoff range up to 46 miles.
Guidance: Tri-mode seeker millimeter-wave radar, uncooled IIR, and digital semi-active laser.
Warhead: 250-lb class penetrating blast fragmentation munition.
Integration: F-15E; Planned: A-10, AC-130W/J, B-1, B-2, B-52, F-16, F-22, F-35, MQ-9.