What is a GBU-31 bomb?
The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) GBU-31 is a tailkit under development to meet both USAF and Navy needs, with the Air Force as the lead service. The program will produce a weapon with high accuracy, all-weather, autonomous, conventional bombing capability.
How big is a GBU-31?
The Navy has also developed the GBU-56 Laser JDAM for the BLU-109 penetrator to replace the legacy GBU-24 Paveway III weapons systems and improve performance in highly contested environments. Wingspan: GBU-31: 25 inches (63.5 centimeters); GBU-32: 19.6 ins. (49.8 centimeters).
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.
What does JDAM stand for?
Joint Direct Attack Munition
Photo courtesy U.S. Air Force. The preeminent smart-bomb technology of the day is Boeing’s JDAM, which stands for Joint Direct Attack Munition. The basic idea behind the JDAM program is to outfit existing “dumb” bombs with sophisticated rear guidance sections.
How far can a JDAM travel?
JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, giving them a published range of up to 15 nautical miles (28 km). JDAM-equipped bombs range from 500 pounds (230 kg) to 2,000 pounds (910 kg).
How accurate are JDAM?
In its most accurate mode, the JDAM system will provide a minimum weapon accuracy CEP of 16 feet (5 m) or less when a GPS signal is available. If the GPS signal is jammed or lost, the JDAM can still achieve a 98-foot (30 m) CEP or less for free flight times up to 100 seconds.
What is a GBU 32?
The JDAM 1000 and 2000 lb versions are in service and are being utilized in actual combat. They serve the fleet in providing precision guidance and all weather attack capability. The GBU-32 and GBU-35 are the 1000-lb versions of JDAM using the MK-83 and BLU-110 warheads.
Who dropped the first JDAM?
B-1B Lancer
A B-1B Lancer flying out of Edwards AFB, Calif., on Feb. 11 dropped a satellite-guided joint direct attack munition, or JDAM, at China Lake test range. The test was the first demonstration of the bomber’s capability to deploy satellite-guided JDAMs.
How far can a JDAM fly?
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) |
Can JDAM hit a moving target?
During FY2004, Boeing and the U.S. Air Force began testing of the laser guidance capability for JDAM, with these tests demonstrating that the system is capable of targeting and destroying moving targets.