Overview

The QUICKSINK kit is an advanced enhancement package for the GBU-31/B Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), designed to provide a low-cost, effective solution for neutralizing maritime threats. Developed through a collaboration between the U.S. Air Force and Navy, the QUICKSINK kit incorporates advanced guidance technologies, transforming the JDAM into a potent anti-ship weapon.

Development and Purpose

The QUICKSINK initiative was funded by the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering, aiming to deliver cost-effective methods for quickly neutralizing surface vessels across vast ocean areas. The program’s goal is to provide combatant commanders and national leaders with innovative capabilities to counter maritime threats using existing Department of Defense weapon systems.

Key Features

1. Advanced Guidance System:
   • The QUICKSINK kit enhances the JDAM with a sophisticated guidance system, including a GPS-assisted inertial navigation system (INS) in the tail, a radar seeker in the nose, and an Imaging Infra-Red (IIR) camera mounted on the side.
   • This integration allows the bomb to accurately locate and target enemy vessels, ensuring precise strikes.
2. Target Acquisition and Tracking:
   • Upon release, the JDAM uses its GPS/INS to glide toward the target area.
   • The radar seeker and IIR camera then guide the bomb to lock onto the ship, directing it to detonate near the hull below the waterline for maximum damage.
3. Cost-Effectiveness:
   • The QUICKSINK kit offers a lower-cost alternative to traditional anti-ship weapons like heavyweight torpedoes.
   • It expands deployment capabilities across a wide range of Air Force combat aircraft, making it a versatile option for anti-ship missions.
4. Operational Flexibility:
   • The kit is designed to be effective against both stationary and moving maritime targets.
   • This adaptability enhances the military’s ability to respond to various maritime threats efficiently.

Operational Use

1. Enhanced Anti-Ship Firepower:
   • Aircraft such as the B-2 Spirit can carry up to 16 GBU-31 JDAMs equipped with the QUICKSINK kit, providing substantial anti-ship capabilities.
   • This capability was demonstrated during the RIMPAC 2024 exercises, marking the first public report of a B-2 Spirit testing this anti-ship functionality.
2. Joint Force Collaboration:
   • The QUICKSINK kit’s development involved close collaboration between the U.S. Air Force and Navy, ensuring the enhancement meets the operational needs of both services.
   • This joint effort maximizes the operational synergy and effectiveness of the kit.
3. Strategic Deterrence:
   • By enabling the JDAM to perform maritime strike missions, the QUICKSINK kit significantly enhances the U.S. military’s ability to deter potential adversaries in maritime domains.
   • It provides a versatile and effective tool for projecting power across vast ocean areas.

Notable Demonstrations

RIMPAC 2024

The QUICKSINK kit was prominently showcased during the RIMPAC 2024 exercises. In this event, a U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber carried out a demonstration of the QUICKSINK capability during a SINKEX (sinking exercise). The exercise involved the sinking of decommissioned naval vessels, allowing participating forces to practice live-fire scenarios and validate their targeting and strike capabilities.

Conclusion

The QUICKSINK kit represents a significant advancement in the realm of anti-ship warfare. By enhancing the GBU-31/B JDAM with advanced guidance systems and offering a cost-effective, flexible solution for maritime strike missions, the QUICKSINK kit bolsters the U.S. military’s capability to counter maritime threats efficiently. Its successful deployment and demonstration during RIMPAC 2024 underscore its strategic value in modern naval warfare.

References

• U.S. Air Force:
  • “AFRL, Navy demonstrate low-cost, rapid ship sinking capability” by Air Force Research Laboratory. This article discusses the development and capabilities of the QUICKSINK kit.
  • AFRL’s QUICKSINK program provides detailed information on the technology and its applications.
• U.S. Navy:
  • “RIMPAC 2024: U.S. Navy conducts successful SINKEX” by U.S. Navy. This article provides details about the SINKEX exercises during RIMPAC 2024, including the involvement of the QUICKSINK kit.
  • RIMPAC exercises outlines the objectives and outcomes of the SINKEX drills.
• Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA):
  • “LRASM: Long Range Anti-Ship Missile” by DARPA. This document explains the development and features of the Long-Range Anti-Ship Missile, a related technology.
  • DARPA’s LRASM program provides an overview of the missile’s capabilities and deployment.
• Air Force Magazine:
  • “B-2 Stealth Bomber Showcases New QUICKSINK Capability” by Air Force Magazine. This article discusses the recent demonstrations of the QUICKSINK kit by B-2 bombers.
  • Air Force Magazine article provides insights into the strategic implications and technical details.
• Military.com:
  • “QUICKSINK: Air Force’s New Anti-Ship Weapon” by Military.com. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the QUICKSINK program and its importance for modern warfare.
  • Military.com article covers the development and potential applications of the QUICKSINK kit.

• The Drive – War Zone:

  • “Air Force’s Stealthy B-2 Bomber Tests New QUICKSINK Anti-Ship Bomb” by The Drive. This article provides detailed information about the B-2 bomber’s role in testing the QUICKSINK kit.
  • The Drive article discusses the strategic and operational implications of the QUICKSINK demonstrations.