The GBU-44 originated out of the canceled 1990s BAT projectile, which was to have been an anti-tank guided cluster weapon. The BAT technology (and some actual prototype airframes) were converted into the Viper Strike missile, which is extremely useful in urban areas where collateral damage must be limited. Initially deployed by US Army MQ-5 Hunter UAV’s in 2003, it was also adopted by the USAF in late 2006 on AC-130 Spectre gunships and MQ-1 Predator UAVs.

Original Author: Jason W. Henson