Four Small-Diameter Bombs fitted on a single pylon of an Israeli F-16I Sufa multirole fighter. (IAF photo)
Posted on 08/19/2015 5:24:17 AM PDT by sukhoi-30mki
For the first time since their arrival a decade ago, the F-16I "Sufa" fighter jets have been equipped with advanced Small Diameter Bombs (SDB), and will be the second model in the IAF to use them, following the F-15I
The "Knights of the Orange Tail" squadron has acquired advanced small diameter bombs (SDB), a decade after the arrival of the F-16I fighter jets to the IAF. The SDBs, called "Barad Had" (Hebrew for "sharp hail"), are long-range guided bombs characterized by their accurate penetration capacity.
The squadron has recently undergone an operational review to officially approve its use of SBD during war. "The inspection was the end result of a long journey in which many were involved," said Major Assaf, who led the review in the Air Operations Division.
Until recently, the F-15I "Hammers" squadron was the only squadron in the IAF to be equipped with SDB. Now, after a long process of preparations and training, the "Knights of the Orange Tail" squadron's fighter jets will also carry SDB, becoming the first F-16Is to use the advanced weapon.
"The thought behind the move is to spread different capabilities among the force's squadrons, to provide operational flexibility to the force. In the process we combined the capabilities of the F-16I with the powerful SDB," said Major Assaf. "Obtaining this special weapon is a real quantum leap for the squadron and will enable the F-16Is to take part in special missions in various arenas."
The review spared no one. Every squadron member - from aircrew members to the planning team and technicians - was tested on theoretical knowledge. The review also included simulated training sessions for various potential war scenarios in Northern Israel.
-ends-
Four Small-Diameter Bombs fitted on a single pylon of an Israeli F-16I Sufa multirole fighter. (IAF photo)
These don’t look the same as the ones the USAF have. Don’t the USAF ones have wings that come out to increase glide path?
“The squadron has recently undergone an operational review to officially approve its use of SBD during war.”
You mean that they are also equipping them with Silent But Deadlies?
That’s gonna go over with the Iranians REALLY well!
The wings only pop out after release into flight.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_Diameter_Bomb
The small size of the bomb allows a single strike aircraft to carry more of the munitions than is possible utilizing currently available bomb units. The SDB carries approximately 38 pounds (17 kg) of AFX-757 high explosive.[citation needed] It also has integrated “DiamondBack” type wings which deploy after release, increasing the glide time and therefore the maximum range. Its size and accuracy allow for an effective munition with less collateral damage.[11]
...
Standoff maximum range: more than 60 nautical miles from the release point.
http://www.boeing.com/assets/pdf/defense-space/missiles/sdb/docs/SDB_FLM_overview.pdf
Nicely decorated. Does anyone know what is the rectangular pod below the air intake?
From another article it is probably a targeting pod.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.