BLU-109 bomb
BLU-109 Bomb
Technical Summary
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| 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 the United States Air Force (BLU is an acronym for Bomb Live Unit). As other "bunker busters", it is intended to smash through concrete shelters and other hardened structures before exploding. In addition to the US, it is part of the armament of the air force of Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Israel, the Netherlands, and the United Arab Emirates.[1]
Design
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 tail-fuze. 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.
See also
References
- ^ Forecast International (2004). BLU-116/B, page 4. Accessed 12 May 2011.
External links
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