The US Air Force has released new test images of the GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition JDAM, optimized for use as an anti-ship weapon as part of the Quicksink program.

The US Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) has confirmed that Quicksink GPS is a dual-mode system that combines a radar GPS with an infrared (IIR) camera. The radar head is located in front of the nose and the camera is located in the side cowl. All of this is then integrated into the front end of the standard GBU-31/B JDAM, which stores the GPS-assisted Inertial Navigation System (INS) guidance package on the back end.

The combination of the new multimode GOS and JDAM tail gear turns the bomb into an all-weather anti-ship weapon. The bomb first uses the tail to plan the target using coordinates entered from the carrier aircraft or an airborne sensor platform via airborne sensors prior to launch. When approaching the target area, the gun switches to the Quicksink seeker to determine the ship’s location, speed and direction.

The use of a standalone homing system means that the weapon can potentially engage a target if it comes within range of the radar and IIR camera, even in a low GPS environment.

The gun then corrects its course to a trajectory where it enters the water and then detonates near the hull below the waterline. The bomb will detonate the ship, splitting it in half or otherwise causing major damage.

The primary goal of the Quicksink project is to provide a low-cost, air-deliverable weapon that offers capabilities comparable to a heavy ship or submarine torpedo. Heavy torpedoes such as the American-made Mk 48 are designed to sink large warships by exploding beneath them and shattering their hulls.