The Walleye II ER/DL has the ability for the launching aircraft to control the Walleye after it has been released. This gives the ability to launch at a further range and still be able to hit a target. To achieve this it has to have its data link pod to take full advantage of the weapon.
WALLEYE II ERDL.—The Walleye II extended range data link (ERDL) guided weapon Mk 23 Mods 0, 1, and 2 (frequency channels A, C, and E) consists of the same basic items as the Walleye II Mk 5 weapons. However, these assemblies include added data link functions and extended range capability. The addition of the larger wings enables the weapon to be launched with longer slant ranges to a target complex. The addition of the data-link pod (Guided Weapon Control-Monitor Set AN/AWW-9/13) and a joystick controller (guided weapon control group OK-293/AWW) on the aircraft allow the pilot to remotely steer the weapon to a specific target within the complex with pinpoint accuracy.
