GBU-44/B Viper Strike

The GBU-44/B Viper Strike glide bomb is a GPS-aided laser-guided variant of the Northrop Grumman Brilliant Anti-Tank (BAT) munition which originally had an acoustic seeker. The system was initially intended for use from UAVs, and it is also planned to integrate the weapon with the Lockheed AC-130 gunship, giving that aircraft a precision stand-off capability. [ [http://www.defense-update.com/directory/viper-strike.htm Viper Strike Laser Guided Weapon for UAVs - Defense Update] ]

Launch platforms

* Current:
** MQ-5 Hunter [cite web|url=http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/m-155.html|title=Northrop Grumman (TRW/IAI) BQM-155/RQ-5/MQ-5 Hunter]
* Planned:
** AC-130 Spooky cite web|url=http://www.dtic.mil/ndia/2006psa_apr/borden.pdf|title=Viper Strike Overview (PDF) - dtic.mil]
** MQ-1 Predator
** MQ-1C Warrior
** MQ-8 Fire Scout
** MH-6 Little Bird

pecifications

* Length: 0.9 m (36 in).
* Weight: 20 kg (42 lb).
* Diameter: 14 cm (5.5 in).
* Wingspan: 0.9 m (36 in).
* Glide ratio: 10:1
* Guidance: GPS-midcourse/terminal laser homing. [ [http://www.deagel.com/Warheads/Viper-Strike_a001163003.aspx Viper Strike - Deagel] ] [cite web|url=http://www.irconnect.com/noc/press/pages/news_releases.html?d=79978|title=Northrop Grumman Demonstrates Viper Strike Precision Munition Enhanced with GPS]
* Accuracy: < 1 m CEP.
* Warhead: 1.05 kg (2.3 lb) (HEAT).

References

ee also

* MQ-9 Reaper

External links

* [http://www.deagel.com/pandora/viper-strike_mn00006003.aspx Deagel - Specs]
* [http://www.designation-systems.net/dusrm/app5/viper-strike.html Northrop Grumman BAT / GBU-44/B Viper Strike - Designation Systems]
* [http://www.defenseindustrydaily.com/2007/03/gbu44-viper-strike-death-from-above/index.php GBU-44 Viper Strike: Death From Above - Defense Industry Daily]
* [http://www.es.northropgrumman.com/solutions/viperstrike/ Viper Strike - Northrop Grumman]