The armed MQ-9 Reaper unmanned aircraft system will be getting an additional weapon system: the Joint Direct Attack Munition. Results of tests in California are still being evaluated, but it appears the 500-pound GBU-38 JDAM could be certified in July. The Reaper can carry the GBU-12 Paveway II laser-guided bomb and the AGM-114 Hellfire missile. The JDAM adds a weapon with global positioning system guidance along with adverse weather capability. Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.’s 678th Armament Systems Squadron and 679th Armament Systems Squadron participated in the tests. (Source: Air Force, 03/10/2009)
