BLU-109 bomb

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

BLU-109 Bomb
Technical Summary
A BLU-109 aboard an F-15E Strike Eagle configured as a JDAM
A BLU-109 aboard an F-15E Strike Eagle configured as a JDAM
A BLU-109 aboard an F-16 Falcon configured as a JDAM
A BLU-109 aboard an F-16 Falcon configured as a JDAM
Function: Free-fall penetration bomb (guided when equipped as JDAM or Paveway)
Length: 7 ft 11 in (2.4 m)
Diameter: 14.6 in (370 mm)
Weight: 1,927 lb (874 kg)
Range: Varies by method of employment

The BLU-109/B is a hardened penetration bomb used by United States military aircraft. (BLU is an acronym for Bomb Live Unit.) It is intended to smash through concrete shelters and other hardened structures before exploding. The BLU-109/B has a steel casing about 1 inch (25.4 mm) thick, filled with 530 lb (240 kg) of Tritonal. It has a delayed-action fuse. The BLU-109 entered service in 1985. It is also used as the warhead of some marks of the GBU-15 electro-optically guided bomb, the GBU-27 Paveway III laser-guided bomb, and the AGM-130 rocket-boosted weapon. This weapon supposedly has the same penetration as the Small Diameter Bomb, although it is not likely to be retired anytime soon, due to the much larger blast capable from its warhead.[citation needed]


[edit] See also