GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB)
Employed in combat: October 5, 2006
Used by: United States, Israel, Italy
Initial integration: F-15E, follow-on integration may occur with the F/A-22, F-35, UCAV, F-16, F-117, A-10, MQ-9, B-52, B-1, B-2 (the B-2 is set to carry between 64 and 216 SDBs on one mission)
Weight: 285 lbs (129 kg)
Fuse: Cockpit selectable functions, including air burst and delayed options
Warhead: 206 lbs (93 kg) blast fragmentation
The cited blast radius: 26 ft (cf 82 ft with 2,000-lb JDAM)
Standoff range: More than 60 nm/69 miles (111 km)
Most USAF aircraft will be able to carry (using the BRU-61/A rack) a pack of four SDBs in place of a single 2,000 pound (910 kg) bomb.
The SDB has the same penetration capabilities as a 2000lb BLU-109, but with only 50 pounds of explosive. The warhead that has demonstrated penetration of more than 6 feet of reinforced concrete. The INS/GPS guidance in conjunction with differential GPS (using all 12 channel receivers, instead of only 5) and improved Target Location Error (TLE) it can achieve a 5-8m CEP.
The munition, with a smart fuze, has been extensively tested against multi-layered targets by Wright Laboratory under the Hard Target Ordnance Program and Miniature Munitions Technology Program. The length to diameter ratio and nose shape are designed to optimize penetration for a 50lb charge. This weapon is also a potential payload for standoff carrier vehicles such as Tomahawk, JSOW, JASSM, Conventional ICBM, etc.
Most effective in urban close air support, battlefield interdiction, Destruction of Enemy Air Defences (DEAD) lethal suppression and counter-air strike airfield attack roles. Against soft skinned vehicles and structures, armour, point emplacements, runways, aircraft shelters and SAM/SPAAG systems this weapon will be highly lethal.
Less than effective is against deep/hardened bunkers, large infrastructure targets, large buildings, industrial plant, bridges, large trench systems, vehicle parks, infantry on the move and other area or large point targets. These remain the domain of larger specialized bunker busting weapons, or large explosive bombs such as the Mk.83/BLU-110 (1,000 lb), Mk.84/BLU-117/BLU-119 (2,000 lb), BLU-109/116/118 (2,000 lb), BLU-113/122 (5,000 lb).
The USAF is planning to acquire 12,000 fixed-target versions and a like number of the moving-target version. The USN/USMC is likely to wait for SDB II when the F-35 enters service.
Boeing
Global Security
Australia Air Power