By José Carlos Palma *
The GBU-39/B is a small, precision-guided bomb developed by Boeing for use by the United States Air Force. It is also known as the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB).
Introduction The GBU-39/B, also known as the Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), is a precision-guided bomb developed by Boeing for use by the United States Air Force. This small, lightweight bomb is designed to provide a more precise and efficient means of engaging enemy targets, particularly in urban areas where there is a risk of collateral damage. In this article, we will take a closer look at the GBU-39/B bomb and its capabilities.
Design and Features The GBU-39/B is a small bomb, with a weight of approximately 250 pounds and a length of just over 70 inches. It is designed to be carried in large numbers by a variety of aircraft, including the F-15E, F-16, F/A-18, and B-1B. Its small size allows for more bombs to be carried on each aircraft, increasing the number of targets that can be engaged in a single mission.
The bomb is guided to its target using GPS, inertial navigation, and a semi-active laser seeker. This guidance system allows for precise targeting, with a circular error probable (CEP) of just over 5 meters. The bomb’s guidance system also allows for it to be launched from a standoff distance of up to 60 nautical miles, increasing the safety of the aircraft and the crew.
The GBU-39/B is capable of penetrating several feet of reinforced concrete, making it a powerful weapon against hardened targets such as bunkers and underground facilities. It also has a fragmentation sleeve that provides additional lethality against soft targets such as vehicles and personnel.
Advantages The GBU-39/B provides several advantages over traditional bombs. Its precision guidance system allows for more accurate targeting, reducing the risk of collateral damage and civilian casualties. Its small size allows for more bombs to be carried on each aircraft, increasing the number of targets that can be engaged in a single mission. Its standoff capability allows for the aircraft to remain at a safe distance from the target, reducing the risk of enemy fire.
The GBU-39/B is also a cost-effective weapon. Its small size and precision guidance system mean that fewer bombs are required to achieve the same level of damage as larger, less precise bombs. This reduces the overall cost of the mission and increases the effectiveness of the air campaign.
Applications The GBU-39/B has been used in a variety of military operations. In 2006, it was used in Operation Iraqi Freedom to destroy a bunker complex near Baghdad. In 2008, it was used in Operation Enduring Freedom to destroy a Taliban hideout in Afghanistan. It has also been used in the ongoing conflict against ISIS in Iraq and Syria.
The GBU-39/B has also been sold to several allied nations, including Israel, Italy, and South Korea. Its precision and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive weapon for countries looking to modernize their military capabilities.
Conclusion The GBU-39/B is a powerful and cost-effective weapon that provides a more precise and efficient means of engaging enemy targets. Its small size, precision guidance system, and standoff capability make it an attractive weapon for modern air campaigns. While it has been used in a variety of military operations, its true impact may be in its ability to reduce the risk of collateral damage and civilian casualties in urban areas. As such, the GBU-39/B represents a significant advance in military technology and a step forward in the quest to minimize the human cost of warfare.
the GBU-39/B has been used in several military operations by the United States and its allies. Here are a few examples:
- Operation Iraqi Freedom: In 2006, the GBU-39/B was used by the US Air Force to destroy a bunker complex near Baghdad that was believed to be used by insurgents. The precision guidance system of the bomb allowed for the precise targeting of the bunker complex, resulting in its complete destruction.
- Operation Enduring Freedom: In 2008, the GBU-39/B was used by the US Air Force to destroy a Taliban hideout in Afghanistan. The bomb was launched from a standoff distance, allowing the aircraft to remain at a safe distance from the target. The precision guidance system of the bomb ensured that the hideout was completely destroyed.
- Operation Inherent Resolve: The GBU-39/B has been used extensively in the ongoing conflict against ISIS in Iraq and Syria. The precision guidance system of the bomb has been instrumental in targeting and destroying ISIS positions and infrastructure, while minimizing the risk of collateral damage and civilian casualties.
- Other uses: The GBU-39/B has also been sold to several allied nations, including Israel, Italy, and South Korea. Its precision and cost-effectiveness make it an attractive weapon for countries looking to modernize their military capabilities.
In summary, the GBU-39/B has been used in several military operations to great effect, thanks to its precision guidance system and small size, which allow for more accurate targeting and reduced risk of collateral damage.
The deployment of the GBU-39/B involves several steps, including pre-flight preparation, target acquisition, and delivery of the bomb to the target. Here’s a brief overview of the deployment process:
- Pre-flight preparation: Before a mission, the aircraft carrying the GBU-39/B must be prepared for the deployment of the bomb. This includes attaching the bomb to the aircraft, ensuring that the guidance system is properly programmed, and conducting a pre-flight check to ensure that all systems are functioning properly.
- Target acquisition: Once the aircraft is in the target area, the pilot and crew must acquire the target using a variety of methods, including radar, GPS, and visual identification. Once the target has been identified, the pilot will determine the appropriate delivery method and distance for the bomb.
- Delivery of the bomb: The GBU-39/B can be delivered using a variety of methods, including free fall, glide, or lofted delivery. The pilot will select the appropriate delivery method based on the distance to the target, the type of target, and the desired level of precision.
- Guidance and targeting: Once the bomb is released, the guidance system takes over and steers the bomb towards the target using GPS, inertial navigation, and a semi-active laser seeker. The guidance system allows for precise targeting, with a circular error probable (CEP) of just over 5 meters.
- Impact and detonation: Once the bomb reaches the target, it detonates, causing significant damage to the target. The GBU-39/B is capable of penetrating several feet of reinforced concrete, making it a powerful weapon against hardened targets such as bunkers and underground facilities. It also has a fragmentation sleeve that provides additional lethality against soft targets such as vehicles and personnel.
In summary, the deployment of the GBU-39/B involves several steps, including pre-flight preparation, target acquisition, and delivery of the bomb to the target using a variety of methods. The bomb’s guidance system allows for precise targeting, resulting in reduced risk of collateral damage and increased effectiveness in engaging enemy targets.
* Expert in international relations, such as foreign policy, international trade, domestic security, international security, developing nations, and domestic security, intelligence, and military.