StormBreaker All-Weather Smart Weapon

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The StormBreaker all-weather smart weapon has emerged as one of the most advanced precision-guided munitions in the arsenal of the United States military. Designed to strike moving targets under adverse weather conditions and limited visibility, this weapon represents a significant leap in battlefield technology. Its ability to detect, classify, and engage targets even in darkness, heavy rain, fog, smoke, or dust ensures that aircrews maintain a decisive advantage in complex combat environments. 

Photo Credit: RTX Raytheon

Integrated Three-Mode Seeker Technology

At the heart of StormBreaker lies its sophisticated seeker system, which operates in three distinct modes. The millimeter-wave radar provides reliable detection and tracking of targets through poor weather, ensuring that the weapon remains effective even when visibility is compromised. Complementing this is infrared imaging, which enhances target discrimination by capturing thermal visuals, allowing operators to distinguish between vehicles, structures, and decoys. Finally, the semi-active laser mode enables precise engagement of targets marked by laser designators from either air or ground forces. These three modes share data seamlessly, creating a robust targeting solution capable of striking both stationary and moving targets, day or night, across all weather conditions.

Efficiency in Fighter Aircraft Operations

One of the most notable advantages of StormBreaker is its compact size, which allows fighter aircraft to carry more weapons without sacrificing maneuverability. This efficiency means fewer aircraft are required to neutralize the same number of targets compared to larger, heavier munitions. With a range exceeding 45 miles, StormBreaker enables pilots to engage moving targets from a safe distance, reducing exposure to enemy air defenses and minimizing risks to aircrews. Military planners emphasize that this extended reach not only enhances survivability but also expands tactical options in contested airspace.

Integration with U.S. Fighter Jets

StormBreaker has already achieved full operational capability on the F-15E Strike Eagle, marking a milestone in its deployment. The weapon is currently undergoing integration with the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, ensuring compatibility across multiple platforms within the U.S. Air Force and Navy. This broad integration underscores the Pentagon’s commitment to equipping frontline aircraft with versatile, precision-guided munitions that can adapt to diverse mission requirements. Once fully integrated, StormBreaker will significantly enhance the strike capabilities of America’s premier fighter jets, reinforcing their dominance in modern warfare.

StormBreaker Technical Specifications

AttributeDetails
TypeGlide bomb (Small Diameter Bomb II)
OriginUnited States
Designer / ManufacturerRaytheon Technologies
Service EntrySeptember 2020 – present
UsersUnited States Air Force, United States Navy
Production StartJanuary 2014 – present
Unit CostApprox. US$195,000 (USAF, FY2021); US$220,916 (US Navy, FY2021)
Mass (Weight)204 lb (93 kg)
Length69 in (176 cm)
Diameter6–7 in (15–18 cm)
Warhead105 lb (48 kg) multi-effect warhead
Operational RangeUp to 60 nautical miles (111 km); ~40 nmi (74 km) against moving targets
Guidance Systems- Millimeter-wave active radar homing
- Imaging infrared (IIR) seeker
- Semi-active laser guidance
- GPS/INS navigation
- Two-way data link (Link-16 & UHF)
Seeker ModesTriple-mode seeker (Radar, Infrared, Laser)
Deployment PlatformsF-15E Strike Eagle (operational)
F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (integration phase)
F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (integration phase)
Capabilities- Precision strike against moving/stationary targets
- All-weather operation (rain, fog, smoke, dust)
- Day/night effectiveness
- Network-enabled weapon with real-time updates
Operational Advantages- Small size allows multiple carriage per aircraft
- Extended standoff range reduces risk to pilots
- High target discrimination minimizes collateral damage

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