BLU-109 bomb

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BLU-109 Bomb
Technical Summary
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
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 with 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 Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Israel, the Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom and 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.[citation needed]

Variants

The BLU-118 is reportedly a thermobaric explosive filler variation on the BLU-109 casing and basic bomb design.[2]

See also

References

  1. ↑ Forecast International (2004). BLU-116/B, page 4. Accessed 12 May 2011.
  2. ↑ http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/blu-118.htm. Retrieved 2013-12-06.  Missing or empty |title= (help)

External links

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