joint direct attack munition
Noun: A joint direct attack munition is a specific type of precision guidance kit. It is a device attached to an unguided, conventional "dumb" bomb (a gravity bomb), enabling it to be accurately steered to a target using GPS and inertial navigation systems. This conversion turns an unguided weapon into a precision-guided "smart" bomb.
The term joint direct attack munition is used to describe the guidance kit itself and, by extension, the complete weapon system (bomb plus kit). It is a formal, technical term used primarily in military, defense, and aerospace contexts. * The Air Force employed joint direct attack munitions to strike the target with minimal collateral damage. * Converting inventory bombs with a joint direct attack munition kit is a cost-effective method for increasing strike accuracy.
- The term is often abbreviated as JDAM (pronounced "jay-dam"). In many contexts, the abbreviation is more common than the full term.
- The fighter was loaded with two 500-pound JDAMs for the mission.
- JDAM: The standard and most frequently used abbreviation for joint direct attack munition.
- Precision-guided munition (PGM): A broader category of smart weapons that includes the JDAM.
- Guidance kit: A general term for a device that adds guidance capabilities to an unguided weapon.
- Precision-guided bomb
- Smart bomb (a more general, non-technical synonym)
- To strap a JDAM to a bomb: Describes the action of attaching the guidance kit.
- Technicians worked through the night to strap JDAMs to the available bombs.
- JDAM-equipped: Describes a bomb or aircraft that has the JDAM system.
- The JDAM-equipped aircraft provided crucial close air support.
- a pinpoint bomb guidance device that can be strapped to a gravity bomb thus converting dumb bombs into smart bombs