U.S. defense contractor Lockheed Martin announced that it has branded its Dual Mode Plus laser-guided bomb (LGB) as Paragon.
Paragon has been integrated on the F/A-18 while F-16 test flights are planned for the second quarter of 2017.
In a U.S. Navy test from August 2016, the Dual Mode Plus demonstrated operation of the new linear optics, GPS/Inertial Navigation System (INS) guidance subsystem and the control actuation system. According to Lockheed Martin, all mission objectives were met.
During the tests, two Mk-82 (500-lb.) inert warheads, fitted with Dual Mode Plus guidance kits were released from an F/A-18 Super Hornet and impacted fixed targets within operational performance requirements.
“The new brand Paragon exemplifies a model of excellence, and reflects the system’s performance and capability,” said Joe Serra , precision guided systems director at Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control. “The Paragon direct attack munition has demonstrated performance well within operational requirements and can be released farther from the target than other dual-mode or GPS-guided weapons.”
Effective against fixed, relocatable and moving targets, the Paragon direct attack munition maintains the physical dimensions, mass properties and outer mold line of Lockheed Martin’s LGB, and integrates with aircraft employing LGBs or similar direct-attack weapons using conventional MIL-STD-1760/1553 or Universal Armament Interfaces.