Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser (WCMD)

Manufacturer:

Lockheed Martin [LMT]

Characteristics:

WCMD is a tail guidance kit that allows for improved targeting of Textron [TXT] cluster munitions. The WCMD tail kit, attached to a Textron [TXT] CBU-97 Sensor Fuzed Weapon unit, converts it to a CBU-105. When attached to a CBU-87 with a fuze and integral timer, the WCMD allows for the conversion to CBU-103 standard. When fitted on the CBU-89 Gator mine dispenser, it becomes the CBU-104. The package itself comprises an umbilical cable and bracket, system battery, fin release mechanism, integrated electronics assembly, housing with accompanying control actuation assembly and a multisensor inertial measurement unit produced by Britain’s BAE SYSTEMS.

Combat Use:

WCMD entered service with Air Force B-52 bombers built by Boeing [BA] in November 1998.At least 573 WCMD units were used during Operation Enduring Freedom.

Foreign Users:

None, but is available for international sales.

Analysis:

WCMD offers precision engagement capabilities utilizing an inertial guidance component to correct for launch transients and wind conditions. According to Lockheed Martin, adding WCMD to a weapon allows for discrete area targeting along guided trajectories, as opposed to broad area targeting on ballistic trajectories. WCMD has been cleared for use with the B-52 and Block 50/52 variants of Lockheed Martinís F-16 fighter-bomber. Integration on the B-1B and Boeingís F-15E is expected later this year. A GPS-guided WCMD, called WCMD-Extended Range (ER), will offer better precision than even the existing kit. The WCMD-ER spiral is expected to begin this May.