What does JDAM stand for?
The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a guidance kit that converts existing unguided bombs into precision-guided “smart” munitions.
What is a GBU 32?
Developed by Boeing for the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy, the Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) guidance tail kit converts unguided, free-fall “dumb” bombs into accurate, all-weather “smart” Guided Bomb Units (GBU).
How heavy is a JDAM?
JDAM is a joint U.S. Air Force and Department of Navy program. JDAM is a guided air-to-surface weapon that uses either the 2,000-pound BLU-109/MK 84, the 1,000-pound BLU-110/MK 83 or the 500-pound BLU-111/MK 82 warhead as the payload.
How far can a JDAM go?
Joint Direct Attack Munition
| Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) | |
|---|---|
| Maximum firing range | Up to 15 nautical miles (28 km) |
| Wingspan | 19.6 to 25 inches (500 to 640 mm) |
| Guidance system | Inertial guidance/GPS |
| Accuracy | Specified 43 feet (13 m); Realized around 23 feet (7 m) |
What is a GBU 56?
The GBU-56/B is the dual-mode, laser and GPS/inertial navigation system [INS], -guided variant of the GBU-31/B 2,000 lb Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) that utilizes the MK 84 (general purpose) and BLU-109 (penetrating) bombs to afford a moving target capability.
What is a JDAM weapon?
JDAM is a guided air-to-surface weapon that uses either the 2,000-pound BLU-109/MK 84, the 1,000-pound BLU-110/MK 83 or the 500-pound BLU-111/MK 82 warhead as the payload. JDAM enables employment of accurate air-to-surface weapons against high priority fixed and relocatable targets from fighter and bomber aircraft.
How many GBU 38 can F 16 carry?
F-16 Loadout With the addition of the BRU-57/A Multiple Carriage, “Smart” Bomb Rack, two GBU-38’s can be carried on stations 3 and 7.
How much is a GBU 31?
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Acquisition unit cost | $62,846 |
| Average unit cost (40,000 units) | $18,000 current estimate $42,200 initial estimate |
| Quantity | Navy: 12,000 Air Force: 62,000 |
| Platforms | B-52, B-1, B-2, F-22, F-16, F-15E, F- 117, F-14 A/B/D, F/A-18C/D, F/A-18E/F, AV-8B, P-3, S-3 |
How do JDAM work?
In the air, the JDAM’s GPS receiver processes signals from GPS satellites to keep track of its own position. As with other smart bombs, the control system adjusts the flight fins to “steer” the bomb in the right direction. According to the U.S. Air Force, the system is accurate to within 40 feet (13 meters).
Can a F-16 drop a JDAM?
The very first combat drops of the GBU-31 JDAM by an F-16 unit were made in Afghanistan on November 29, 2001, by the 389th EFS during their deployment for Operation Enduring Freedom to Al Udeid AB, Qatar.
What is the gbu-38/b?
The GBU-38/B is a 500lb JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition) manufactured by Boeing using the Mk82 bomb body. Composed of a MK-82 with the joint direct attack munitions guidance system, the GBU-38 is considered a “lightweight” compared to most of the other munitions loaded on F-16s.
What is the length of a GBU 32?
Length: GBU-31 152.7 inches; GBU-32 119.5 inches; GBU-38 92.6 inches The Joint Direct Attack Munition is a guidance tail kit that converts existing unguided free-fall bombs into accurate, adverse weather “smart” munitions.
When was the GBU-38 JDAM first used in combat?
The first combat use of the GBU-38 JDAM was made in late September 2004 by the 187th FW during their deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom to Al Udeid AB, Qatar, as part of an ANG “Rainbow Team”. Two F-16s performed a simultaneous GBU-38 release on the same target in central Iraq. The bombs hit a two-story building with minimal collateral damage.
What is a GBU-32 joint direct attack munition?
Air Force Tech. Sgt. Joey Lavalley, 477th weapons load crew chief, guides the GBU-32 Joint Direct Attack Munition on the munitions loading jammer to an F-22 Raptor during weapons load training at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, Alaska, July 15, 2018. The GBU-32 JDAM has a weight of1000 pounds and can be targeted via Global Positioning System.