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- Category: Bombs
- Hits: 34495
The Armement Air-Sol Modulaire (AASM), commonly known as the AASM Hammer (Highly Agile Modular Munition Extended Range), is a French-developed, all-weather, smart air-to-surface stand-off weapon. Designed by the French Company Safran Electronics & Defense, the Hammer is meant for both close air support and deep strike missions. This system is highly modular, allowing it to be configured for a variety of operational needs. By adding guidance and propulsion kits to standard bombs, the AASM Hammer transforms conventional ordnance into precision-guided munitions, making it a critical tool for modern air forces.
Country users: France, Croatia, Egypt, India, Morocco, Qatar, Ukraine
Description
The AASM Hammer was developed to address the growing need for modular, precise, and all-weather capable air-to-ground munitions. Entering service with the French Air Force and Naval Aviation in 2007, the Hammer offers flexibility in its design, enabling it to be used with a variety of bomb sizes, including 125 kg, 250 kg, 500 kg, and 1000 kg configurations. The system’s modularity allows for different guidance and propulsion systems to be attached to the bombs, giving the munition extended range and enhanced accuracy.
There are three main variants of the AASM Hammer, each equipped with different guidance systems depending on the operational context. The baseline variant integrates a hybrid inertial navigation system (INS) combined with GPS guidance, allowing it to function in all weather conditions. Other variants incorporate either infrared homing or laser guidance in the nose-mounted guidance section, providing increased precision and the ability to engage moving targets. These options make the Hammer effective for both close air support missions and deep strikes, where it can be launched from a stand-off distance, allowing the aircraft to remain safely out of reach of enemy defenses.
The AASM Hammer has proven its effectiveness in combat. It is deployed primarily from the Dassault Rafale and Mirage 2000D aircraft, but its versatility has led to its integration into other platforms as well, such as the Dassault Mirage F1, F-16, Tejas, and MiG-29. Recently, the system has been supplied to Ukraine, with over 600 Hammer bomb kits planned for delivery at a rate of 50 kits per month. It is likely that Ukrainian aircraft such as the MiG-29 and Su-27—already configured to drop JDAM-ER munitions—will be capable of employing the Hammer in combat.
AASM Hammer variants:
Host Bombs
The AASM system enhances conventional dumb bombs by integrating guidance kits and a solid fuel rocket motor. The standard AASM configuration is currently based on a 250 kg bomb, which is compatible with widely used bomb bodies such as the Mk 82, the BLU-111 penetrator, and the French CBEMS/BANG. A 125 kg bomb variant was successfully tested in 2009, and a 1,000 kg model has been proposed for future development to extend the system's versatility across a broader range of mission profiles.
Guidance Options
- SBU-38: The original model of the AASM, the SBU-38, is equipped with an inertial navigation system (INS) and GPS guidance, providing a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of 10 meters. This variant was introduced into service in 2007 and is effective in all-weather conditions, delivering reliable accuracy in both close air support and deep strike missions.
- SBU-54: The SBU-54 variant adds imaging infrared homing to the baseline SBU-38 model. This feature allows the munition to match the target area with a reference image stored in memory, increasing accuracy to a 1-meter CEP. The SBU-54 can operate both during the day and at night but achieves its highest accuracy in fair weather conditions.
- SBU-64: Introduced in 2013, the SBU-64 incorporates laser guidance on top of the existing INS/GPS capabilities found in the SBU-38. This variant allows for improved precision and, unlike the SBU-54, is effective against moving targets. The SBU-64 provides greater flexibility in dynamic combat scenarios, offering high accuracy across a range of environments and mission types.
Technical Data
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Design
The AASM Hammer features a nose-mounted guidance section and a tail-mounted range extension kit, which includes winglets and a solid rocket motor to extend the munition’s range to over 70 kilometers (43 miles). The propulsion system is fitted at the rear of the missile and consists of a solid rocket motor and four winglets for flight control, ensuring stable and precise navigation during flight. The system can be fitted to bombs of various sizes, with the 250 kg configuration being the most common. This flexibility in design allows it to be used in a variety of mission profiles, from precision strikes on fixed targets to engagements against mobile units. The 250 kg (550 lb) configuration typically uses warheads such as the Mk82, BLU 111, or the French CBEMS/BANG bomb body.
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Warhead
The AASM Hammer can be equipped with various warheads based on operational needs. The most common warhead size is 250 kg, but larger or smaller warheads can also be used, giving the Hammer a wide operational range. This makes it suitable for both large-scale strategic strikes and more tactical, smaller-scale engagements, depending on the mission’s objectives.
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Guidance Systems
The AASM Hammer offers several guidance options depending on the mission requirements. The baseline variant uses a hybrid inertial navigation system (INS) coupled with GPS, providing all-weather accuracy with a Circular Error Probable (CEP) of approximately 10 meters (32 feet 10 inches). For more precise targeting, other variants feature infrared homing or semi-active laser homing (SALH), providing accuracy as fine as 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) CEP. This flexibility ensures the Hammer can engage both stationary and moving targets with a high degree of precision.
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Aircraft Launcher
The AASM Hammer is compatible with several aircraft types. It was initially deployed on the Dassault Rafale and Mirage 2000D but has since been adapted for other platforms, including the Dassault Mirage F1, F-16, Tejas, and MiG-29. The system’s modular design makes it easily adaptable to a wide variety of airframes, providing international air forces with a versatile weapon capable of precision strikes.
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Combat Use
The AASM Hammer has proven its versatility in combat, being deployed for both close air support and deep strike missions. With an operational range of over 70 kilometers, the Hammer can engage targets from a safe stand-off distance, minimizing the exposure of the launch aircraft to enemy air defenses. The weapon is effective against fixed targets, including buildings, command centers, and infrastructure, as well as moving targets, such as vehicles and convoys. Its infrared homing and laser-guided variants are especially useful for tracking and engaging mobile or fast-moving targets, making the Hammer an essential asset in modern air-to-ground combat.
Specifications
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Type
Precision-guided, air-to-surface, stand-off munition - bomb
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Country users
France, Croatia, Egypt, India, Morocco, Qatar, Ukraine
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Designer Country
France
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Guidance Systems
- Hybrid Inertial Navigation System (INS) + GPS (SBU-38)
- INS + GPS + Imaging Infrared (SBU-54)
- INS + GPS + Laser Guidance (SBU-64) -
Launcher Aircraft
Dassault Rafale, Dassault Mirage 2000D, Dassault Mirage F1, F-16, Tejas, MiG-29,Su-27
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Accuracy
- SBU-38: 10-meter CEP (Circular Error Probable)
- SBU-54: 1-meter CEP (infrared variant)
- SBU-64: 1-meter CEP (laser-guided variant) -
Launch Weight
Approximately 340 kg (750 lb) for the 250 kg warhead configuration.
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Warheads
- 125 kg, 250 kg, 500 kg, and 1000 kg configurations
- Common warheads: Mk 82, BLU-111, CBEMS/BANG -
Range
Over 70 km (43 miles) with rocket-assisted propulsion.
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Dimensions
Length: 3.1 m; Diameter: 0.32 m; Wingspan: 0.78 m
Details View
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AASM Hammer Modular Air To Ground Weapon Smart Guided Bomb France Left Side View 001
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AASM Hammer Modular Air To Ground Weapon Smart Guided Bomb France Right Side View 001
Photo Gallery
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AASM Hammer Modular Air To Ground Weapon Smart Guided Bomb France 925 001
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AASM Hammer Modular Air To Ground Weapon Smart Guided Bomb France 925 002
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AASM Hammer Modular Air To Ground Weapon Smart Guided Bomb France 925 003
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AASM Hammer Modular Air To Ground Weapon Smart Guided Bomb France 925 004
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AASM Hammer Modular Air To Ground Weapon Smart Guided Bomb France 925 005
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AASM Hammer Modular Air To Ground Weapon Smart Guided Bomb France 925 006
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- Category: Bombs
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The AGM-154 JSOW is a precision-guided, long-range glide bomb developed by Raytheon for the U.S. Navy and Air Force. It allows aircraft to strike from beyond enemy air defenses, making it a versatile tool in modern warfare.
Country users: Australia, Canada, Finland, Greece, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States
Description
The AGM-154 Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW) is a long-range, precision-guided glide bomb developed by Raytheon for the U.S. Navy and Air Force. Its primary purpose is to enable aircraft to engage targets beyond enemy air defenses' reach, offering greater flexibility and safety during strike missions. The JSOW is known for its adaptability, capable of carrying various warheads tailored for different mission profiles.
Raytheon Technologies, a leading U.S. defense contractor, is the manufacturer of the AGM-154. Development of the JSOW began in the early 1990s as part of an initiative to create a low-cost, multi-role standoff weapon. The goal was to allow aircraft to attack diverse targets, including air defense systems and hardened installations, without the need to enter hostile airspace. The weapon entered service with the U.S. Navy in 1999 and was subsequently adopted by the U.S. Air Force in 2000.
Several countries use the AGM-154, including the United States, Saudi Arabia, Australia, Poland, Greece, Finland, and Turkey. It has been employed in a wide range of combat operations. In the 2003 Iraq War, the JSOW was instrumental in destroying surface-to-air missile sites and other key military installations. During the Afghanistan conflict, it was used for precision strikes on enemy infrastructure. In Syria, the weapon has been deployed against ISIS targets, particularly to destroy fortified positions and high-value assets. Additionally, the AGM-154C-1 variant has been used in anti-ship missions, demonstrating the weapon’s versatility in both land and maritime combat scenarios.
AGM-154 JSOW variants:
- AGM-154A: Baseline version with BLU-97/B Combined Effects Bomblets for area attacks on soft targets, such as vehicles, personnel, and surface-to-air missile sites.
- AGM-154A-1: Foreign Military Sales (FMS) version carrying a 500-pound BLU-111 unitary warhead, suitable for focused explosive impact against fixed targets.
- AGM-154C: Equipped with a BROACH multi-stage penetrating warhead, designed for hardened and fortified targets like bunkers and command centers.
- AGM-154C-1: Anti-ship variant featuring the BROACH warhead and a Link-16 data link, enabling in-flight target updates for precision strikes against moving naval targets.
- AGM-154B: Proposed variant with BLU-108 Sensor Fuzed Weapon (SFW) submunitions for anti-armor missions, later canceled.
Technical Data
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Design
The AGM-154 JSOW is a glide bomb that lacks a rocket motor, relying instead on aerodynamic lift and gravity for propulsion. Its modular airframe incorporates pop-out wings and tail fins that deploy after release, giving it extended range and stability during flight. The design allows for long-distance travel, ensuring that the launching aircraft remains outside enemy air defense zones. The JSOW is 4.1 meters (160 inches) long, has a wingspan of 2.69 meters (106 inches), and weighs approximately 485 kg (1,065 pounds). Its box-shaped body has a 33 cm (13-inch) cross-section.
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Warhead
The AGM-154 JSOW is adaptable to different mission profiles, with several warhead options available. The AGM-154A is equipped with BLU-97/B Combined Effects Bomblets, designed for area attacks on soft targets like vehicles, personnel, and surface-to-air missile sites. The AGM-154A-1, typically available for foreign military sales (FMS), carries a 500-pound BLU-111 warhead, suited for more traditional high-explosive missions. For strikes on hardened targets such as bunkers and command centers, the AGM-154C variant uses the BROACH (Bomb Royal Ordnance Augmented Charge) multi-stage warhead, which provides enhanced penetration capabilities. The AGM-154C-1 is specifically tailored for anti-ship missions and features the same BROACH warhead for precision strikes on maritime targets.
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Guidance Systems
The AGM-154 JSOW employs advanced guidance systems to ensure high-precision engagement of targets. For midcourse navigation, it uses a combination of Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) guidance. The AGM-154C and AGM-154C-1 variants also include a terminal Imaging Infrared (IIR) seeker, which provides enhanced accuracy during the final phase of flight, ensuring precise targeting of high-value or heavily fortified targets. The JSOW C-1 variant further integrates a Link-16 data link, allowing for real-time target updates during flight. The Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 3 meters ensures exceptional accuracy across all variants.
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Combat Use
The AGM-154 JSOW is primarily designed for standoff attacks, allowing tactical aircraft to engage high-value or heavily defended targets from a safe distance, far beyond the range of enemy air defenses. This capability makes it particularly effective for Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions, where aircraft can neutralize enemy radar and missile sites without risking exposure. Additionally, the JSOW is highly effective in precision strikes on fortified positions, such as bunkers or command centers, and in targeting critical infrastructure like surface-to-air missile (SAM) sites. Its extended range of up to 130 km enables pilots to release the weapon from high altitudes, keeping their aircraft well clear of hostile anti-aircraft systems while delivering accurate and effective firepower. Its standoff range can vary from 22 to 130 kilometers, depending on altitude and release conditions.
In maritime operations, the AGM-154C-1 variant of the JSOW, equipped with a unitary warhead and infrared seeker, is designed for anti-ship missions. This variant allows air forces and naval aviators to engage enemy vessels at significant standoff distances, minimizing the risk of counterattack from naval air defenses. The JSOW’s versatility in both land and naval combat environments makes it a crucial asset for modern air and naval forces, as it can neutralize enemy ships and fortifications without exposing aircraft to direct threats.
Tactically, the JSOW is adaptable to various mission profiles. It can be used for pre-emptive SEAD missions to clear the way for follow-on aircraft by disabling enemy air defense systems. Additionally, its BROACH warhead enables it to penetrate deeply fortified structures, making it ideal for strikes against bunkers or buried targets. The cluster munitions variant of the JSOW can effectively engage dispersed soft targets, such as troop concentrations or vehicle convoys.
The JSOW can be deployed from a variety of aircraft platforms, enhancing its operational flexibility. The F/A-18 Hornet and Super Hornet, used extensively by the U.S. Navy, are among the primary launchers of the JSOW, both in land-based and carrier-based missions. The F-16 Fighting Falcon, widely used by the U.S. Air Force and allied nations, is another key platform for precision strike missions with the JSOW. The long-range strike capability of the F-15E Strike Eagle makes it well-suited for deep penetration missions, while the F-35 Lightning II can carry the JSOW internally, allowing for standoff precision strikes while maintaining a low radar signature. Additionally, the B-52 Stratofortress, with its ability to carry large quantities of munitions, can deliver mass JSOW strikes in wide-area combat operations.
Specifications
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Type
Air-to-surface glide bomb
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Country users
Australia, Canada, Finland, Greece, Morocco, Netherlands, Poland, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Taiwan, Türkiye, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, United States
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Designer Country
United States
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Guidance System
GPS/INS (Global Position/Inertial), Terminal IR Seeker (AGM-154C unique)
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Launcher Aircraft
- Navy: F/A-18 C/D, F/A-18 E/F, AV-8B and F-35C
- Air Force: F-16 Block 40/50, B-1, B-2, B-52, F-15, F-117, A-10, F-35A -
Accuracy
Circular Error Probable (CEP) of less than 3 meters
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Launch Weight
483 kg
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Warhead
AGM-154A/145 BLU-97 combined-effects bomblets; AGM-154A-1, 500-pound BLU-111 warhead (FMS only), AGM-154C, Broach multi-stage warhead
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Range
Low-altitude, 22.2 km (12 nautical miles); high-altitude, 129.6 km (70 nautical miles)
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Dimensions
Length: 4.1 m; Diameter: 33,02 cm; Wingspan: 2.69 m
Details View
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AGM 154 JSOW Joint Standoff Weapon Glide Bomb United States Left Side View 001
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AGM 154 JSOW Joint Standoff Weapon Glide Bomb United States Right Side View 001
Photo Gallery
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AGM 154 JSOW Joint Standoff Weapon Glide Bomb United States 925 001
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AGM 154 JSOW Joint Standoff Weapon Glide Bomb United States 925 002
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AGM 154 JSOW Joint Standoff Weapon Glide Bomb United States 925 003
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AGM 154 JSOW Joint Standoff Weapon Glide Bomb United States 925 004
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AGM 154 JSOW Joint Standoff Weapon Glide Bomb United States 925 005
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The GBU‑39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) is a 250-pound class (113 kg) precision-guided glide munition developed by Boeing Defense, Space & Security for the United States Air Force. Compact and highly accurate, the GBU‑39 allows strike aircraft to carry significantly more munitions per sortie while engaging fixed targets at extended standoff ranges.
Country users: United States, Israel, Norway, South Korea, Australia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, others
Description
The GBU‑39 was developed under the U.S. DoD’s Small Diameter Bomb program to meet evolving operational requirements for precision strike capabilities in urban or contested environments. Officially entering service in 2006, it represents a shift in air-to-ground doctrine—prioritizing strike density, platform survivability, and target discrimination over brute force.
Weighing just 129 kilograms (285 pounds), the munition is optimized for carriage in the BRU-61/A smart launcher, which holds four SDBs per aircraft pylon. This configuration enables aircraft like the F-15E to carry 8 bombs externally or allows stealth aircraft such as the F-22A and F-35 to internally store multiple SDBs without compromising radar cross-section. Its gliding range of over 110 kilometers (68+ miles) when released from high altitude permits launch from outside the effective envelope of most short- and medium-range air defense systems.
The GBU‑39 family includes several mission-specific variants. The standard GBU‑39/B uses a steel-cased blast-fragmentation penetrator; the FLM (Focused Lethality Munition) uses a carbon-fiber casing and a DIME filler to reduce fragmentation; and newer software-upgraded variants feature enhanced GPS resistance and target tracking. These improvements make the GBU‑39 one of the most flexible and survivable munitions in U.S. and allied arsenals.
GBU-39 SDB variants:
- GBU‑39/B SDB I: Baseline variant with GPS/INS guidance and steel-cased penetrating warhead
- GBU‑39A/B FLM (Focused Lethality Munition): Carbon-fiber case and DIME explosive for low-collateral damage
- GBU‑39B/B: Updated electronics and anti-jam GPS receiver
- GBU‑39B/B Block 1: Software-enhanced navigation and targeting with better signal resilience
- GBU‑53/B SDB II (StormBreaker): Advanced tri-mode seeker version for moving and dynamic targets
Technical Data
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Design
The design of the GBU‑39 centers on aerodynamic efficiency, compact form factor, and modular integration. The weapon measures approximately 1.8 meters (71 inches) in length, with a body diameter of 190 millimeters (7.5 inches). Its deployable wing kit, made from graphite-epoxy composite, extends after release to a wingspan of 1.5 meters (59 inches), providing the necessary lift and stability to glide for distances exceeding 110 kilometers (68 miles) when released from high altitude.
The bomb's structural core is fabricated from high-strength steel for durability, while composite elements contribute to weight savings and radar cross-section reduction. The four tail fins, located at the rear of the bomb, are controlled by an internal electromechanical actuation system powered by a thermal battery. These fins provide precise maneuverability and flight correction throughout the munition’s glide profile. Internally, the munition houses sealed compartments for avionics, the guidance suite, warhead, and power systems. The overall layout supports high survivability under high-G release conditions and provides excellent compatibility with the BRU-61/A quad launcher.
The entire weapon is designed for modularity and carriage efficiency. Its shape and fin layout allow multiple GBU‑39s to be packed into internal bays of stealth aircraft or externally mounted on legacy fighters, making it adaptable across virtually all tactical and strategic air platforms in U.S. and NATO inventories.
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Warheads
The standard warhead of the GBU‑39B SDB is a 93-kilogram (203-pound) steel-cased, penetrating blast-fragmentation warhead. It is engineered to defeat hardened fixed structures, including command bunkers, aircraft shelters, and fortified storage sites. It uses a delayed-action fuze that allows it to penetrate more than 1 meter (about 3 feet) of reinforced concrete before detonation, ensuring maximum damage within protected structures.
For operations in urban environments or where collateral damage must be minimized, the GBU‑39A/B FLM variant replaces the steel casing with a carbon-fiber composite shell and fills the bomb with Dense Inert Metal Explosive (DIME). This explosive composition delivers a powerful localized blast with sharply limited fragmentation, significantly reducing unintended damage to nearby personnel or infrastructure. The FLM variant is particularly valued for counterinsurgency, counterterrorism, and precision-strike operations near civilian areas.
Both warhead types are modular and interface directly with the guidance and control systems, enabling mission-specific configuration of explosive effects without altering the overall bomb geometry or aerodynamic characteristics.
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Guidance Systems
The GBU‑39 SDB utilizes a sophisticated GPS-aided Inertial Navigation System (INS) that combines a Honeywell HG1700 ring-laser gyroscope Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) with a Rockwell Collins SAASM-enabled NavStrike GPS receiver. This configuration allows the munition to maintain precise targeting in both permissive and contested electromagnetic environments, including GPS-degraded or GPS-denied zones.
What sets the GBU-39’s guidance apart from traditional JDAMs is its adaptive flight path correction algorithm, which continually monitors the bomb’s real-time position and velocity using inertial data. These inputs are compared to GPS readings, and discrepancies are used to dynamically adjust fin movements in-flight. This ensures a highly accurate terminal trajectory and mitigates the risk of drift-induced miss distance, especially at extended ranges beyond 100 kilometers (62 miles).
The system’s SAASM integration enables the bomb to use encrypted military GPS signals that are hardened against spoofing and jamming. Should GPS be disrupted, the weapon will revert to inertial-only guidance, which still offers high accuracy over shorter ranges. Additionally, during the final glide phase, the munition performs a vector correction maneuver to ensure it impacts the target at an optimal angle for penetration. These features combine to deliver a combat-proven circular error probable (CEP) of less than 5 meters, even in challenging operational environments.
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Launcher and Combat Use
The GBU‑39 SDB is launched from the BRU-61/A smart carriage system, a quad-pack launcher capable of holding four bombs in a streamlined, compact configuration. Each munition is mounted in an individual bay within the rack, with separate power and datalink interfaces for independent targeting. The BRU-61/A uses pneumatic ejection to minimize signature and improve reliability under high-G maneuvering conditions.
The launcher is certified for use on a wide range of tactical fighters and bombers, including the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16C/D Fighting Falcon, F-22A Raptor, and all variants of the F-35 Lightning II. It is also carried by long-range bombers such as the B-1B Lancer, B-2A Spirit, and B-52H Stratofortress. Some experimental test configurations have examined integration on unmanned platforms such as the MQ-9 Reaper.
Before launch, the munition is programmed with its target coordinates via the aircraft’s mission computer. Upon release, the bomb deploys its wings, stabilizes in flight, and follows a GPS-aided inertial trajectory toward the designated target. The munition can adjust for environmental variables such as wind drift and minor navigational errors, ensuring terminal precision even at maximum range. This standoff capability enables aircraft to engage protected targets without entering high-risk zones dominated by enemy air defenses.
Specifications
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Type
Small Diameter Bomb Precision-guided glide munition
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Country users
United States, Israel, Norway, South Korea, Australia, Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and others
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Designer Country
United States (Boeing Defense, Space & Security)
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Launcher assets
F-15E, F-16C/D, F-22A, F-35A/B/C, B-1B, B-2A, B-52H, MQ-9 (trial integration)
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Guidance Systems
GPS-aided INS (Honeywell HG1700 + SAASM NavStrike GPS); adaptive mid-course control
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Warhead
Penetrating blast-fragmentation; DIME (low-frag FLM variant)
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Penetration Capabilities
>1 meter (3.3+ feet) reinforced concrete
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Accuracy
<5 meters CEP; anti-jam and anti-spoofing resilient
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Weight
129 kg (285 pounds); warhead ~93 kg (203 pounds)
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Dimensions
Length: 1.8 m; Diameter: 0.19 m; Wingspan: 1.5 m
Details View
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GBU 39 SDB Small Diameter Bomb Precision Guided Glide Munition United States Right Side View 001
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GBU 39 SDB Small Diameter Bomb Precision Guided Glide Munition United States Rear View 001
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GBU 39 SDB Small Diameter Bomb Precision Guided Glide Munition United States Left Side View 001
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GBU 39 SDB Small Diameter Bomb Precision Guided Glide Munition United States Front View 001
Photo Gallery
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GBU 39 SDB Small Diameter Bomb Precision Guided Glide Munition United States 001
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GBU 39 SDB Small Diameter Bomb Precision Guided Glide Munition United States 002
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GBU 39 SDB Small Diameter Bomb Precision Guided Glide Munition United States 003
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GBU 39 SDB Small Diameter Bomb Precision Guided Glide Munition United States 004
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GBU 39 SDB Small Diameter Bomb Precision Guided Glide Munition United States 005
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GBU 39 SDB Small Diameter Bomb Precision Guided Glide Munition United States 006
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GBU 39 SDB Small Diameter Bomb Precision Guided Glide Munition United States 007
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GBU 39 SDB Small Diameter Bomb Precision Guided Glide Munition United States 008
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GBU 39 SDB Small Diameter Bomb Precision Guided Glide Munition United States 009
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- Category: Bombs
- Hits: 32950
The GBU-57A/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) is a precision-guided, deep-penetration bomb developed by the American Company Boeing for the United States Air Force. Designed to defeat deeply buried and heavily fortified enemy targets, it is currently the most powerful non-nuclear bomb in the U.S. military inventory.
Country users: United States
Description
The GBU-57A/B MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) is an air-launched, precision-guided bunker-buster bomb designed by the American Company Boeing to conduct strategic deep-target engagement. Originating from post-2003 military assessments, the bomb was developed to overcome the limitations of previous bunker-busting munitions, especially against adversaries using hardened subterranean facilities for critical assets such as WMDs and command centers.
A bunker-buster weapon system is specifically engineered to destroy hardened and deeply buried targets (HDBTs) through kinetic penetration followed by delayed internal detonation. These weapons rely on a dense, hardened casing and a high-velocity impact to breach concrete or rock before initiating an internal explosive event.
The GBU-57’s development began in the early 2000s under the U.S. Defense Threat Reduction Agency, with an urgent need for a heavy penetrating weapon that could reach and neutralize targets protected by reinforced concrete and natural rock formations. In 2009, Boeing was tasked with final integration, leading to the weapon’s operational deployment in 2011. The GBU-57A/B became a central part of the U.S. Air Force’s strategic strike capabilities.
The weapon’s first confirmed combat use occurred on June 22, 2025, during American airstrikes on Iranian nuclear installations at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. Conducted in the early hours, the raid saw the deployment of multiple GBU-57 bombs from B-2 Spirit stealth bombers. Reports vary, citing between five and six bombs used, with some accounts suggesting up to twelve dropped on Fordow and an additional two on Natanz. The operation demonstrated the MOP’s unparalleled capacity to defeat deeply buried, hardened military facilities.
GBU-57 MOP bomb variants:
- GBU-57/B: Original variant with BLU-127/B warhead
- GBU-57A/B: Enhanced production variant with improved internals
- GBU-57B/B: Features refined guidance and fuze systems
- GBU-57C/B: Variant with additional (undisclosed) performance improvements
- GBU-57D/B: Incorporates smart fuze for optimized internal detonation
- GBU-57E/B: Enhanced Target Reach (ETR-IV) configuration with BLU-127C/B warhead
- GBU-57F/B: Most recent variant with classified upgrades
Technical Data
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Design
The GBU-57A/B MOP (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) consists of a long, dense steel-alloy bomb body optimized for kinetic energy penetration. It measures approximately 6.2 metres (20.3 feet) in length and 0.8 metres (31.5 inches) in diameter, with a launch weight of about 13,600 kilograms (30,000 pounds). The design includes aerodynamic winglets and lattice tail fins that stabilize and guide the bomb in flight. Internally, it is divided into explosive payload sections at the front and guidance/control electronics at the rear, all protected by thick steel casing designed to withstand extreme impact forces.
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Warheads
The warhead used in the GBU-57 MOP series is the BLU-127 family, employing enhanced-blast explosives such as AFX-757 and PBXN-114. These compounds are selected for their high-energy output and thermal stability, ensuring effective detonation even after high-speed penetration into concrete or geological substrates. The warhead contains approximately 2,082 to 2,600 kilograms (4,590 to 5,732 pounds) of high explosive, depending on the variant.
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Guidance Systems
The GBU-57 MOP uses a dual-mode guidance system combining GPS (Global Positioning System) with an Inertial Navigation System (INS) for high-accuracy targeting. Later versions incorporate a smart fuze system that detects structural voids during penetration and times detonation for maximum internal destruction. This adaptive fuze dramatically increases lethality against complex underground structures.
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Launcher and Combat Use
The GBU-57A/B is deployed exclusively from the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber, which can carry two units internally. The bomb’s integration with this platform allows for strategic-level strike capability against high-value, deeply buried targets with minimal radar exposure. Future deployment is anticipated on the next-generation B-21 Raider bomber.
Its first operational use occurred on June 22, 2025, during U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear infrastructure. This mission demonstrated the weapon’s effectiveness and affirmed its role as a critical asset for precision strikes against fortified underground threats.
Specifications
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Type
Precision-guided deep-penetration bomb
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Country users
United Staes
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Designer Country
United States
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Launcher Aircraft
B-2 Spirit (current), B-21 Raider (future)
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Guidance Systems
GPS/INS, with smart fuze in advanced versions
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Warheads
BLU-127/B, A/B, B/B, C/B series
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Penetration Capabilities
Up to 60 metres (200 feet) reinforced concrete or rock
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Accuracy
Circular Error Probable (CEP) within a few metres
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Weight
Approximately 13,600 kilograms (30,000 pounds)
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Dimensions
Length: 6.2 m; Diameter: 0.8 m; Wingspan: ~ 2.0 m
Details View
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GBU 57 A B MOP Massive Ordnance Penetrator Precision Guided Bunker Buster Bomb United States Front View 001
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GBU 57 A B MOP Massive Ordnance Penetrator Precision Guided Bunker Buster Bomb United States Side View 001
Photo Gallery
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GBU 57 A B MOP Massive Ordnance Penetrator Precision Guided Bunker Buster Bomb United States 001
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GBU 57 A B MOP Massive Ordnance Penetrator Precision Guided Bunker Buster Bomb United States 002
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GBU 57 A B MOP Massive Ordnance Penetrator Precision Guided Bunker Buster Bomb United States 003
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GBU 57 A B MOP Massive Ordnance Penetrator Precision Guided Bunker Buster Bomb United States 004
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The American Mk-84 is a High-Explosive (HE), Low-Drag General-Purpose (LDGP) aircraft bomb, part of the U.S. military's Mk-80 series of bombs. It is the largest and heaviest of this series, with a nominal weight of 2,000 lbs (907.2 kg).
Country users: United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom
Description
The Mk-84 is an American-made High-Explosive (HE), Low-Drag General-Purpose (LDGP) aircraft bomb, part of the U.S. military's Mk-80 series of bombs. It is the largest and heaviest of this series, with a nominal weight of 2,000 lbs (907.2 kg). The bomb is designed for a variety of combat scenarios, offering substantial explosive power to destroy enemy infrastructure, bunkers, and other fortified targets. Though it was initially developed during the 1950s and 1960s as a conventional bomb for free-fall use, the Mk-84 has been adapted over the decades to serve in multiple roles, both as a conventional and precision-guided weapon.
Entering service in the early 1960s, the Mk-84 has been a staple in the U.S. military's arsenal and continues to serve with modern air forces. The bomb's large payload and robust construction make it effective in penetrating hardened targets such as bunkers, airstrips, and bridges, while its fragmentation capabilities cause widespread damage to enemy personnel and equipment. As the largest variant in the Mk-80 series, the Mk-84 can penetrate up to 15 inches (381 mm) of metal or 11 feet (3.4 meters) of reinforced concrete, depending on its release altitude and conditions. Its lethal fragmentation radius extends up to 400 yards (365.8 meters), ensuring maximum impact on enemy forces.
Many Mk-84 bombs have been retrofitted with stabilizing fins and a Tail-Retarding Device (TRD) to provide precision-guided capabilities, allowing them to deliver pinpoint accuracy in modern combat scenarios. These modifications enable the Mk-84 to serve as the warhead for several Guided Bomb Units (GBUs), including the GBU-10 and GBU-24 Paveway laser-guided bombs (LGBs), the GBU-27 Paveway LGB, the GBU-15 Electro-Optical (EO) bomb, the GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM), and the Quick-Strike Mine (QSM). With these advancements, the Mk-84's versatility and precision have been significantly enhanced, allowing it to be used effectively in a variety of military operations.
The bomb is typically carried by a wide range of aircraft platforms, from fighter jets like the F-15E Strike Eagle and F/A-18 Hornet to bombers like the B-52 Stratofortress. It can be employed for various mission types, including close air support, interdiction, and strategic bombing. Whether unguided in its original form or as part of a guided system, the Mk-84 remains a highly effective weapon for both conventional and precision bombing campaigns.
Mk-84 bomb variants:
- Mk-84 GP Bomb (General-Purpose Bomb): The standard, unguided version with a high-explosive warhead.
- GBU-10 Paveway II: A laser-guided bomb (LGB) version using the Mk-84 as the warhead.
- GBU-24 Paveway III: An advanced laser-guided version of the Mk-84, with improved performance in adverse weather conditions.
- GBU-27 Paveway: A specialized laser-guided bomb designed to penetrate reinforced structures, utilizing the Mk-84 as its core.
- GBU-15 Electro-Optical (EO): A version of the Mk-84 with electro-optical guidance for high-precision targeting.
- GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM): A GPS/INS-guided bomb variant of the Mk-84, offering precision strikes in all weather conditions.
- Quick-Strike Mine (QSM): A variant that turns the Mk-84 into a sea mine for naval operations.
Technical Data
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Design
The Mk-84 has a streamlined, low-drag aerodynamic body, which improves its performance in free-fall scenarios and reduces the impact of wind resistance. The bomb is approximately 3.84 meters (12 feet 6 inches) in length, with a body diameter of 457 mm (17.99 inches). When equipped with a fuze, its overall length increases to 2,600 mm (102.36 inches), whereas without a fuze, the length is 2,470 mm (97.24 inches). The bomb weighs approximately 2,000 lbs (907.2 kg) when fully loaded, but the weight can range from 1,972 lbs (894.5 kg) to 2,083 lbs (944.8 kg) depending on configuration. The Mk-84 features a forged steel casing, which provides durability and enhances its capability to penetrate and explode on target.
The bomb's fins are deployed during free-fall to stabilize the weapon's trajectory, allowing for more accurate drops. It has an array of suspension lugs that allow it to be carried and dropped from a variety of aircraft types, ensuring its compatibility with numerous platforms in the U.S. and allied inventories.
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Warheads
The Mk-84 is equipped with a Tritonal explosive fill, which consists of 80% TNT and 20% aluminum powder. This composition maximizes the bomb's explosive yield and increases the efficiency of the blast. The Mk-84’s explosive payload weighs approximately 429 kg (945.8 lbs), and the bomb's main effects include high levels of fragmentation and blast damage. The fragmentation radius extends to a lethal distance of 400 yards (365.8 meters), which can cause devastating casualties and damage to enemy equipment and infrastructure.
In terms of penetration, the Mk-84 is capable of breaching up to 15 inches (381 mm) of metal or 11 feet (3.4 meters) of reinforced concrete, making it an effective weapon for destroying bunkers, bridges, and hardened military installations. The Mk-84 also comes with several fuze options, including nose and tail fuzes, which provide flexibility in terms of detonation timing. The fuzes can be set for impact, proximity, or delayed detonation, depending on the mission requirements.
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Guidance Systems
While the Mk-84 is traditionally an unguided bomb, it has been widely adapted for use with precision-guided systems. Many Mk-84 bombs are now retrofitted with Tail-Retarding Devices (TRDs) and guidance kits, enabling them to achieve high levels of accuracy. Some of the key guided variants include:
- GBU-10 Paveway II: A laser-guided bomb (LGB) that uses a laser seeker to home in on laser-designated targets.
- GBU-24 Paveway III: A more advanced laser-guided variant that provides better performance in adverse weather conditions.
- GBU-27 Paveway: A specialized laser-guided bomb designed to penetrate reinforced structures.
- GBU-15 Electro-Optical (EO): A variant that uses electro-optical guidance for high-precision targeting.
- GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM): A GPS/INS-guided bomb that ensures accuracy despite poor visibility or adverse weather conditions.
These precision-guided versions of the Mk-84 greatly enhance its operational flexibility, allowing it to be used for everything from strategic strikes to tactical missions in complex environments. -
Launcher and Combat Use
The Mk-84 bomb can be deployed from a wide range of U.S. and allied aircraft. It is typically carried by fighter aircraft such as the F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, and F/A-18 Hornet, as well as by bombers like the B-52 Stratofortress, B-1B Lancer, and B-2 Spirit. The Mk-84 is designed to be dropped from altitudes ranging from low to high, depending on the mission profile, with release speeds up to Mach 1.0.
The bomb can be used in a variety of operational roles, including close air support, interdiction, and strategic bombing. It is particularly effective against hardened targets such as bunkers, enemy command centers, and airfields, where its explosive power and fragmentation effects can cause significant destruction. The Mk-84 is also employed in mining operations, such as in the Quick-Strike Mine (QSM) configuration, where its versatility extends beyond traditional bombing missions.
Specifications
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Type
High-Explosive (HE), Low-Drag General-Purpose (LDGP) Bomb
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Country users
United States, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Egypt, Greece, Italy, Japan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Norway, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Korea, Spain, Turkey, United Kingdom
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Designer Country
United States
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Launcher Aircraft
F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Hornet, B-52 Stratofortress, B-1B Lancer, B-2 Spirit, Tornado IDS, and various other allied aircraft platforms.
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Guidance Systems
- GBU-10 Paveway II (Laser-guided)
- GBU-24 Paveway III (Advanced Laser-guided)
- GBU-27 Paveway (Laser-guided, reinforced penetration)
- GBU-15 Electro-Optical (Electro-optical guidance)
- GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) (GPS/INS-guided) -
Warheads
Tritonal explosive fill (80% TNT, 20% aluminum powder), with a payload of approximately 429 kg (945.8 lbs).
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Penetration Capabilities
- Up to 381 mm of metal
- Up to 3.4 meters of reinforced concrete -
Accuracy
- Unguided: Accuracy is dependent on release altitude, aircraft speed, and environmental factors, typically within a large area of impact (hundreds of meters).
- Guided: Precision-guided versions like the GBU-31 (JDAM) and GBU-10 (Paveway) can achieve circular error probable (CEP) of less than 10 meters under optimal conditions. -
Launch Weight
Approx. 2,000 lbs (907.2 kg), with variations based on configuration (weight can range from 1,972 lbs/894.5 kg to 2,083 lbs/944.8 kg).
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Dimensions
Length: 3.84 m; Diameter: 0.457 m; Wingspan: Approximately 0.61 m when fins are deployed during free-fall.
Details View
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Mk 84 High Explosive HE Low Drag General Purpose LDGP Aircraft Bomb United States Front View 001
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Mk 84 High Explosive HE Low Drag General Purpose LDGP Aircraft Bomb United States Left Side View 001
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Mk 84 High Explosive HE Low Drag General Purpose LDGP Aircraft Bomb United States Rear View 001
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Mk 84 High Explosive HE Low Drag General Purpose LDGP Aircraft Bomb United States Right Side View 001
Photo Gallery
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Mk 84 High Explosive HE Low Drag General Purpose LDGP Aircraft Bomb United States 001
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Mk 84 High Explosive HE Low Drag General Purpose LDGP Aircraft Bomb United States 002
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Mk 84 High Explosive HE Low Drag General Purpose LDGP Aircraft Bomb United States 003
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Mk 84 High Explosive HE Low Drag General Purpose LDGP Aircraft Bomb United States 004
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Mk 84 High Explosive HE Low Drag General Purpose LDGP Aircraft Bomb United States 005
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Mk 84 High Explosive HE Low Drag General Purpose LDGP Aircraft Bomb United States 006
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Mk 84 High Explosive HE Low Drag General Purpose LDGP Aircraft Bomb United States 007
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Mk 84 High Explosive HE Low Drag General Purpose LDGP Aircraft Bomb United States 008
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Mk 84 High Explosive HE Low Drag General Purpose LDGP Aircraft Bomb United States 009