A compact superfluorescent source based on an Yb-doped double-cladding fiber amplifier is described. The packaged amplifier is pumped at 975 nm by side-coupling emission from a 2.0-W broad-stripe laser diode through an imbedded V groove. The fiber source generates 485 mW of broadband emission centered at 1055 nm with a 41-nm FWHM flat power spectrum.