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Canada, Raytheon Integrate Enhanced Paveway II on CF-18 in Just 90 Days
Date posted: 06/18/2009*
The Canadian military and Raytheon Company have completed a joint venture that integrates the Enhanced Paveway II 500-pound GBU-49 on Canada’s CF-18 Hornet strike aircraft. The effort, which culminated in the successful employment of four weapons, took less than 90 days.
Enhanced Paveway II is an all-weather, dual mode GPS/laser-guided precision munition. The U.K.’s Royal Air Force has employed the system during combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan.
A First for Canadian CF-18
The weapons were dropped during the U.S. Air Force’s Weapon System Evaluation Program, marking the first time a GPS-guided weapon was employed by a Canadian CF-18. The integration effort culminated in a test drop of four EP II 500-pound GBU-49s. Three weapons were released through a cloud deck at 10,000 feet and guided via GPS to impact with a high degree of accuracy. The fourth weapon was initially guided to the target by GPS, but used laser energy for the final 15 seconds of flight, resulting in a precise impact on the target.
A Canadian Military Milestone
According to Maj. Paul Frigault of the Canadian military, “The EP II will provide a much needed capability to the fighter force by providing a precise and flexible option to meet the challenges of modern battlespace.”
Frigault added that this was a milestone for the Canadian military, as the test demonstrated the ability to deliver precision effects through clouds.
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