Boeing awards MBDA contract for SDB-1 Diamond Back Wing Assemblies
This new contract follows a US Air Force award to Boeing for additional SDB-1 production.
MBDA’s Diamond Back Wing Assembly – a key component of Boeing’s Small Diameter Bomb- features a patented tandem wing design that improves SDB’s manoeuverability and extends its range to over 60 nautical miles, increasing pilot safety and expanding operational reach. SDB-1 is an advanced precision-guided glide bomb that provides aircraft with the ability to carry a higher number of weapons and accurately strike multiple targets in a single combat sortie.
Following the announcement of the contract award, MBDA Inc.’s CEO John Pranzatelli said: “This new award is possible thanks to our strong partnership with Boeing and outstanding past performance over many years of delivering wing kits. As the MBDA Inc. Huntsville team scales up and expands our reach into the US supply chain, we will continue to meet customer requirements on time and budget.
"In addition to Diamond Back, MBDA Inc. remains committed to introducing MBDA’s superior portfolio of precision guided munitions and advanced technology to the US.”
MBDA Inc. has been recognised with three Boeing Performance Excellence Awards over the course of producing over 18,000 Diamond Back Wing Assemblies. MBDA produced the 20,000th unit in September 2017.
MBDA Inc. will continue assembling and testing Diamond Back Wing Assemblies at its Huntsville, Alabama facility. MBDA Inc. is also hiring new staff and expanding its facilities to accommodate increasing demand for wing assemblies.
