 BLU-118/B - Thermobaric WarheadDescription
Features The BLU-118/B uses the same penetrator body as the standard BLU-109 weapon. The significant difference is the replacement of the high explosive fill with a new thermobaric explosive that provides increased lethality in confined spaces. The new warhead uses a Fuze Munition Unit (FMU)-143J/B to initiate the explosive. The FMU-143 fuze has been modified with a new booster and a 120-millisecond delay. All weapon guidance systems and employment options currently used with the BLU-109 warhead are compatible with the new BLU-118/B warhead. Background Recently the Defense Threat Reduction Agency initiated a three-year Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration for a thermobaric weapon system to defeat hardened underground targets. The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks motivated changes in program priorities. On October 11, 2001, DTRA organized a quick-response team that included Navy, Air Force, Department of Energy and industry experts to identify, test, integrate and field a rapid solution that would enhance weapons options in countering hardened underground targets. The explosive experts at the Naval Surface Weapons Center, Indian Head, Md., responded with a developmental explosive that clearly provided enhanced blast effects. The Air Force Precision Strike Program Office at Eglin AFB, Fla., led the team performing the weapon system integration, safety and flight clearances, and produced a modified fuzing system for the new warhead. The Indian Head facility conducted static testing of the fuze to demonstrate reliable initiation of the new explosive. Both static and flight tests were then conducted at full-scale tunnel facilities at the Department of Energy's Nevada Test Site. The fast-paced program culminated on December 14, 2001, with a successful flight test of the GBU-24 laser-guided weapon using the BLU-118B warhead launched by an F-15E. When compared to the standard BLU-109 explosive, results showed the new thermobaric weapon generated a significant improvement in overpressure and pressure-impulse in the tunnel complex. The Air Force has completed verification and validation of the technical data and operational flight clearances needed to deploy the BLU-118B warhead. Ten warheads were immediately made available to the U.S. Air Force for deployment. General Characteristics Length: 98.5 inches Point of Contact Defense Threat Reduction Agency/Public Affairs |
The Bomb Live Unit (BLU)-118/B is a penetrating warhead filled with an advanced thermobaric1 explosive that when detonated generates higher sustained blast pressures in confined spaces such as tunnels and underground facilities. The U.S. Air Force will field 10 of these new warheads compatible with the current Guided Bomb Unit (GBU)-15, GBU-24, and Air-launched Surface-attack Guided Missile (AGM)-130 weapon systems for employment by U.S. Air Force F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft. 
