The first guided launch of a Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) from an F/A-18E Super Hornet scored a direct hit to its target Aug. 29 at the Naval Air Systems Command Weapons Division China Lake, Calif., test range.

Released from the F/A-18E flying at 550 knots at 7000 feet, the JDAM demonstrated the effectiveness of mating its guidance kit to a BLU-109 warhead -- a 2000-pound hard target penetrator. The weapon slammed home, knocking out the Howitzer target. Super Hornet pilot was Cdr. Ed Gassie from the NAVAIR Weapons Division Weapons Test Squadron located at China Lake.

Lt.Cdr. Don Simmons, JDAM Chief Systems Engineer, applauded the weapon’s effectiveness stating, "This is another weapon that fully exploits the capabilities of the Super Hornet giving it unparalleled lethality in adverse weather."

The JDAM has been used successfully by the U.S. Navy and Air Force during combat operations.

For more information on this and other programs under the cognizance of the Program Executive Office for Strike Weapons and Unmanned Aviation, contact the public affairs office at 301-757-6316 or check out the web site www.strikenet.js.mil .