How big is a JDAM bomb?
JDAM-equipped bombs range from 500 pounds (230 kg) to 2,000 pounds (910 kg). The JDAM’s guidance system was jointly developed by the United States Air Force and United States Navy, hence the “joint” in JDAM.
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.
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 does GBU-31 stand for?
The GBU-31 is a guided air-to-surface weapon autonomously navigates to the designated target coordinates. ( U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt.
How many Jdams are there?
The Air Force’s request for Joint Direct Attack Munitions fell 88 percent, from 16,800 enacted in fiscal 2021 to 1,919 weapons in 2022. The high water mark of JDAM production was 30,872 units in 2019, meaning JDAM production for the Air Force will have fallen more than 93 percent in three years, if Congress goes along.
What is JDAM used for?
The Joint Direct Attack Munition is a guidance tail kit that converts existing unguided free-fall bombs into accurate, adverse weather “smart” munitions.
How fast does a JDAM fall?
Lightning Bolts strike over Yugoslav skies 19 May 1999 Air Force Print News — A JDAM is actually a guidance kit that converts existing unguided free-fall bombs into precision-guided “smart” munitions. It takes 30 minutes to convert each “dumb” bomb into a smart bomb.
How much does a JDAM cost?
Precision-Guided Bombs: The Navy is also looking to purchase a smaller number of JDAM kits through the supplemental Overseas Contingency Operations budget at an average unit cost of $23,074.
What is the size of a GBU 32?
•GBU-32. GPS/INS guided 1,000-lb GP, or BLU-110 penetrating weapon. •GBU-38. GPS/INS guided 500-lb GP, or BLU-111 penetrating weapon. Dimensions: Span 25 in (GBU-31), 19.6 in (GBU-32), 14 in (GBU-38); length (with JDAM and warhead) approx 12 ft (GBU-31), 10 ft (GBU-32), 7.8 ft (GBU-38).
What is the GBU-54 Laser JDAM?
In September 2012, Boeing announced that a new JDAM variant, the GBU-54 500-pound Laser JDAM, had entered full rate production (FRP). Boeing delivered the first production laser kits to the U.S. military in 2008, and the Air Force employed them in combat that same year.
What is the weight of the JDAM guidance kit?
The JDAM guidance kit uses either the 2,000-pound BLU-109/Mk 84 (GBU-31 JDAM), the 1,000-pound BLU-110/Mk 83 (GBU-32 JDAM) or the 500-pound BLU-111/Mk 82 (GBU-38 JDAM) warhead as payload. The Air Force is developing the BLU-137 which is a modernized warhead penetrator to replace the BLU-109.
What is the weight of a JDAM bomb?
JDAM-equipped bombs range from 500 pounds (227 kg) to 2,000 pounds (907 kg). When installed on a bomb, the JDAM kit is given a GBU (Guided Bomb Unit) nomenclature, superseding the Mark 80 or BLU (Bomb, Live Unit) nomenclature of the bomb to which it is attached.