The SDB I weapon system, which includes a four-bomb capacity carriage, is the first of a new generation of weapons whose small size and robust performance greatly increase the mission capability of current and future platforms. It also is the first of more than 24,000 such weapons and 2,000 carriages the Boeing SDB team will manufacture for the Air Force.

The Air Force is investing $1.2 billion for production of the system, with deliveries planned beyond 2015.

"I am very proud of the Air Force and Boeing team that brought this exceptional capability from concept to production right on schedule," Virginia Barnes, vice president, Boeing Weapons Programs, told hundreds of employees, customers and suppliers attending the ceremony. "SDB I exemplifies our belief that 'promises made are promises kept.' This great product also is evidence of a highly successful development program that will provide increased weapons capability to current and future warfighters."

During development, Boeing successfully tested 39 SDBs against a variety of fixed targets, hitting each target within less than four feet of its surveyed aimpoint.

"The capability SDB I brings to the warfighter will make a significant difference in future combat," said Col. Richard Justice, commander of the 918th Armament Systems Group at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla. "Our crews will be at less risk while defeating more targets with less collateral damage."

The all-weather SDB I weapon system is compatible with every U.S. fighter and bomber aircraft. It has a standoff range of 60 nautical miles. At 71 inches long, this 250-pound class weapon quadruples the number of weapons each aircraft can carry. The system will be deployed first on the Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle later this year.

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