Posted on 04/12/2015 9:18:08 PM PDT by nickcarraway
A Swedish firm has successfully tested using an American SDB smart bomb fired from a MLRS (multiple launch rocket system). Called this hybrid weapon GLSDB (Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb) the rocket propelled bomb has a range of 150 kilometers. MLRS was designed to fire a 309 kg (680 pound) 227mm rocket. The latest version is (GMLRS) is GPS guided with a max range of 85 kilometers (and the ability to land within ten meters/31 feet of its intended target). The GLSDB guidance system was able to function despite the rapid acceleration of a rocket launch. The GLSDB provides more capability for MLRS systems at low cost.
The U.S. Air Force developed the 285 pound (129 kg) Small Diameter Bomb (SDB). The official story was that this GPS guided smart bomb was needed for urban warfare. The smaller blast (17kg/38 pounds of explosives, compared to 127 kg/280 pounds for the 500 pound bomb) from an SDB resulted in fewer civilian casualties. Friendly troops can be closer to the target when an SDB explodes. While the 500, 1,000 and 2,000 pound bombs have a spectacular effect when they go off, they are often overkill. The troops on the ground would rather have more but smaller GPS bombs available. This caused the 500 pound JDAM to get developed quickly and put into service. But the smaller SDB was always a mystery because so few were actually used.
SDB wasn’t just a smaller bomb, it also has a hard steel, ground penetrating, front end that can penetrate nearly two meters (six feet) of concrete. Not much use for that in urban warfare. But such a capability is very useful for taking out underground installations, particularly the entrances and air intakes. Still, there have not been many targets like that since September 11, 2001.
Despite all this in 2006 the air force finally got the SDB into service, in Iraq. The SDB was supposed to enter service in 2005, in the wake of the 2004 introduction of the 500 pound JDAM. But there were many technical problems with the more complex SDB. That's because this was not just another "dumb bomb" with a GPS guidance kit attached. The SDB had a more effective warhead design and guidance system. Its shape is more like that of a missile than a bomb (1.78 meters/70 inches long, 190 millimeters in diameter), with the guidance system built in. In the last few years, development work has continued. In 2009, for example, there was a change in the software of the SDB so that it could be used like a JDAM. That is, it could be dropped from an aircraft while directly above the target. The SDB was built as a glide bomb, which was dropped over a hundred kilometers from the target, then glided most of that distance before diving on the target. This resulted in complaints from troops below, who had to wait longer for a SDB to hit. The SDB was often preferred, especially in urban areas, because it had less bang than a 500 pound JDAM. But not when it took so long to arrive. Later improvements enabled SDB to reliably hit moving targets. Still not a lot of demand. GLSDB may change all that, although it won’t provide more work for the air force.
Sounds like a good weapon system to use against ISIS.
ping
Now we know why the census bureau was busily logging the front door GPS coordinates of everyone on the census.
So does a 155mm howitzer. This tiny bomb thing is ok for a -few- applications, but it wouldn’t have moved us across Germany. B-52s, full size bombs, relentless like in Desert Storm,,, that’s how its done.
Maybe not compatible with GPS guidance packages?
If no one wants them, I’ll take a few.
Are they legal for hunting?
Won’t do much good when the muzzies start blowing up stadiums, malls and power plants..
Unless they just threaten to blow up a small or large city.. and democrats give them whatever they wanted..
Another vendor-designed weapon system: nobody wants super-expensive, long wait time weapons in combat.
Here they are trying to pawn off something even the Air Force considers too slow to the ground forces. Figures.
Dang parasites.
“Artillery: The Wonder Weapon That No One Wants”
As an old 30-B from the late 60’s and early 70’s I can say this. While they may not want us now we were sure in high demand then. I’ll also admit we are going to be a thing of the past, we’re big, bulky and slow moving. With the exception of maybe a couple of specialty rounds we just don’t have the one shot accuracy needed. I love the new technology but I miss the sound of a battery of 175’s echoing up and down the A-Shau, them boy’s on the ground damn sure like to hear them.
The King of Battle
I like that. Will have to make an effort to remember it.
Frederick the Great.
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