Bigger Better Bang Bump
Posted on 02/29/2008 4:44:34 AM PST by Renfield
February 29, 2008: The U.S. Air Force has conducted a successful test of its new deep penetration warhead. Carried by cruise missiles, the tandem warhead first detonates a shaped charge, which can penetrate 35 feet of limestone, or 20 feet of reinforces concrete. Right behind the shaped charge comes a 500 pound explosive, which detonates inside the hole, preferably inside an enemy bunker that the first charge has penetrated. The recent test only went through 19.5 feet of the hardened concrete, so a second test, with a more powerful shaped charge, will be conducted. The new warhead will be used for the new AGM-129 ACM (Advanced Cruise Missile) or the older BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile. The new warhead will be in service by 2011, or sooner (if there is an urgent need).
Breaking: Better Bulk Buttery Bunker Bacon Battery Buster Bravely Built, Buddy!
Nothing too complex. Upon contact the shaped charge sends a highly-directional blast out in front of the main bomb. The main bomb is protected from the back blast of the shaped charge so it does not detonate. The shaped charge’s blast wave travels faster than the bomb trailing behind it, thereby creating a hole for the bomb to travel down. When the bomb gets to the end of the hole it detonates.
Take a look at this http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunker_buster for background.
Kinetic high density penetrators have limits - even if ‘assisted’ by being dropped by aircraft.
The same device, aided by a rocket motor will go deeper.
The same type of device, preceded by an explosive jet of gas will be able to penetrate deeper and do more damage.
Until the USAF is able to procure a working DUODEC (duodecaplylatomate) or are successful in producing an allotropic iron bomb, these represent state of the art.
An alternate would be an aircraft mounted DeLameter blaster, but focus problems pose a real issue....
Have fun, it's Friday!
How does it do on permafrost?
NO idea.
They used to do their first test on permafrost here. Just south of town. Drop the things from F-16s or something. Clunk! Kind of skids and bounces.
IMO.
YMMV
An alternate would be an aircraft mounted DeLameter blaster, but focus problems pose a real issue
What about primary beams? Gotta have those as well. Stay focused.
LOL
Some say the USAF is too SciFi, thought I would drop some in.
The 1K GBUs do make a pretty big bang, but when they burrow down, then detonate - holy cow!
The most fun I had was when testing on FAE bombs started. Holy cow X 8.
I'd like this one verified on Mythbusters!
:)
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