GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb
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The GBU-39 Small-Diameter Bomb (SDB) is a 250 pound (110 kg) class guided bomb that is intended to provide aircraft with the ability to carry more weapons per sortie, thus increasing the number of kills possible. Most USAF aircraft will be able to carry a pack of four SDBs in place of a single 2,000 lb bomb using the BRU-61/A rack.[1]
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[edit] Development
Two variants are being developed. One version of the SDB is equipped with an Inertial navigation system (INS)/ Global Positioning System (GPS) which makes it ideal for fixed/stationary targets such as fuel depots, bunkers etc. The second variant (GBU-40) includes a thermal seeker with automatic target recognition features which makes it ideal for striking mobile targets such as tanks, vehicles, and mobile command posts.
The GBU-39 has a circular error probable (CEP) of 5-8 meters, minimizing collateral damage. CEP is reduced by updating differential GPS offsets prior to weapon release. These offsets are calculated using a SDB Accuracy Support Infrastructure, consisting of three or more GPS receivers at fixed locations transmitting calculated location to a correlation station at the theater Air Operations Center. The corrections are then transmitted by Link 16 to SDB-equipped aircraft.
The small size of the bomb allows a single strike aircraft to carry more of the munitions than is possible utilizing currently available bomb units. It is currently integrated on the F-15E Strike Eagle; future integration is planned for the F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22 Raptor, F-35 Lightning II, A-10 Thunderbolt II, F-117 Nighthawk, B-1 Lancer, B-2 Spirit, and the B-52 Stratofortress. Other aircraft, including UCAVs, may also receive the necessary upgrades.
The SDB carries approximately 50 lb (23 kg) of high explosive, yet because of its design it has the same penetration capabilities as the 2000 lb BLU-109. During demonstrations, the SDB has successfully penetrated more than 6 ft (1.8 m) thick reinforced concrete. It also has integrated "DiamondBack" type wings which deploy after release, increasing the glide time and therefore the maximum range.
[edit] Specifications
- Length: 70.8 in (1.8 m).[2]
- Width: 7.5 in (19 cm).
- Weapon weight: 285 pounds (130 kg).
- Warhead: 206 lb (93 kg) penetrating, blast frag.
- 50 lbs of high explosive.[3]
- Warhead penetration:
- "six feet of reinforced concrete".
- "more than three feet of steel-reinforced concrete".
- Fuse: Electronic safe and fire (ESAF) cockpit selectable functions, including air burst and delayed options.
- Guidance: SDB I - GPS/INS.
- Accuracy: 5-8 m circular error probable.
- Standoff maximum range: more than 60 nautical miles.
[edit] Cost
Although unit costs were somewhat uncertain as of 2006, the estimated value for the INS/GPS version was around $70,000. The cost of the second variant was more uncertain, but tentative estimates were $90,000 per unit or more.
[edit] Program status
- October 2001 - Boeing is awarded the SDB contract.[4]
- September 2005 - Small Diameter Bomb certified for operational test, evaluation.[5]
- September 2006 - SDB team deliver the first SDBs to the USAF.[6]
- October 2006 - Initial Operational Capability declared for SDB on the F15E.[7]
- October 2006 - First use in combat.[8]
[edit] Notes
- ^ Boeing / Lockheed Martin SDB (Small Diameter Bomb) - Designation Systems
- ^ Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) - Boeing IDS
- ^ SDB Specs - Global Security
- ^ Boeing Awarded Small Diameter Bomb Contract - Boeing press release
- ^ Small Diameter Bomb certified for operational test, evaluation, Air Force Print News
- ^ Small Diameter Bomb I delivered ahead of schedule, Air Force Print News
- ^ ACC declares IOC for Small Diameter Bomb - Air Combat Command
- ^ GBU-39/B Makes Combat Debut in Iraq - USAF press release
