Sources inform “Globes” that Israel Military Industries Heavy Ammunition Complex is negotiating with two US companies to jointly produce a revolutionary light-weight bomb capable of penetrating several meters of concrete. The bomb was developed in Israel.
The two companies are among the world’s largest munitions makers.
Called PB-500, the bomb’s uniqueness is its low weight, compared with US bombs with comparable capabilities. There are two versions of the PB-500: 500 kg and 1,000 kg. The 1.8 meters-long standard bomb carries a 100 kg warhead.
IMI Heavy Ammunition Complex general manager Uri Agmon told “Globes” that the bomb’s low weight made it especially useful for the US Navy. “US Navy jets take off and land from aircraft carrier decks, and their current ordnance is much heavier than the bomb we developed,” he said.
General Dynamics (NYSE:GD), the manufacturer of the F-16 that also has a wide range of munitions activities, is one of the companies with which IMI is negotiating. General Dynamics has several joint ventures in Israel, the most noteworthy of which was the acquisition of Israel Aircraft Industries business jets division and the production of executive jets by General Dynamics subsidiary Gulfstream Aerospace.
IMI is also negotiating with Alliant Techsystems (NYSE:ATK), which specializes in munitions and precision-guided weapons.
The price of the PB-500 ranges from $30,000 for the smaller version to $80,000, for the 1-ton version. IMI wants a cooperation agreement with a US company to ease penetration of the US market.
If the bombs are made in the US and win the “Made in USA” label, the IDF will be able to buy them using US military aid.
Published by Globes [online] - www.globes.co.il - on November 14, 2002