Composite Bomb Bodies

Aerojet Rocketdyne, a segment of L3Harris Technologies, in collaboration with the Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory and the U.S. Air Force, developed the Precision Lethality MK82 as part of a Quick Reaction Capability acquisition program to field a composite case warhead (BLU-129/B) capability in response to a U.S. Central Command Joint Urgent Operational Need for a very low collateral damage weapon. The team received the 2014 William J. Perry award in recognition of its contribution to the Air Force mission. These weapons use carbon-fiber-wound construction of the warhead casing, provided by Aerojet Rocketdyne. A carbon-fiber-wound bomb body disintegrates instead of fragmenting, which adds explosive force nearby, but significantly lowers collateral damage, allowing it to be employed in situations where no other air delivered weapon can be utilized, particularly in close contact, danger close air support situations.

Aerojet Rocketdyne continues to work with our government partners to develop and demonstrate the revolutionary mission capabilities enabled by composite cased weapons.