GBU-53/B datalink ready to fly

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. - Raytheon completed a series of hardware-in-the-loop lab tests on the GBU-53/B Small Diameter Bomb II's datalink, a key step to clearing the datalink for flight tests later this month. Engineers verified the Rockwell Collins datalink worked as anticipated. Raytheon is competing for a GBU-53/B engineering and manufacturing development contract, scheduled to be awarded in late 2009 with delivery of production rounds beginning in late 2013. (Source: Raytheon, 06/05/09) Gulf Coast note: Eglin is home of the Air Armament Center, which develops and tests aerial weaponry.