Boeing GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs for Israel
The Israeli Air Force has received its first consignment of Boeing Small Diameter Bombs, thereby becoming the weapon’s first overseas customer.
The US and Israel signed a $77m contract for 1,000 GBU-39 SDBs just over two years ago and, in Israeli military service, the weapon will enhance the IAF’s ability to carry out precision strikes.
Boeing started work on the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb after being awarded a development contract in late 2001.
Operational testing and evaluation took place in September 2005 and, one year later, the initial examples entered USAF service. They are primarily carried by Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft and an upgraded version, the GBU-53, is now under development. Boeing, however, is not involved in the new Small Diameter Bomb, since in the end the USAF opted for Raytheon instead.
The US and Israel signed a $77m contract for 1,000 GBU-39 SDBs just over two years ago and, in Israeli military service, the weapon will enhance the IAF’s ability to carry out precision strikes.
Boeing started work on the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb after being awarded a development contract in late 2001.
Operational testing and evaluation took place in September 2005 and, one year later, the initial examples entered USAF service. They are primarily carried by Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle aircraft and an upgraded version, the GBU-53, is now under development. Boeing, however, is not involved in the new Small Diameter Bomb, since in the end the USAF opted for Raytheon instead.
GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb
The GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb has seen operational use in several areas of conflict, including Iraq.
Like the USAF, the IAF will also use Strike Eagles as SDB launch platforms. Israel operates modified Strike Eagles known as F-15I Ra’ams (Thunders), while the official IAF designation for the SDB is the ‘Sharp Hail’.
For the future, the IAF may team the SDBs up with its F-16 Fighting Falcon combat jets, too.
The Israeli Air Force is a major Middle Eastern military power, with a fleet of 750 aircraft. Established in 1948, it has been involved in numerous combat engagements over the past six decades including Yom Kippur and the 1982 Lebanon War.
Like the USAF, the IAF will also use Strike Eagles as SDB launch platforms. Israel operates modified Strike Eagles known as F-15I Ra’ams (Thunders), while the official IAF designation for the SDB is the ‘Sharp Hail’.
For the future, the IAF may team the SDBs up with its F-16 Fighting Falcon combat jets, too.
The Israeli Air Force is a major Middle Eastern military power, with a fleet of 750 aircraft. Established in 1948, it has been involved in numerous combat engagements over the past six decades including Yom Kippur and the 1982 Lebanon War.
Boeing GBU-39 SDB
The Boeing GBU-39 SDB figures among the most precise and accurate weapons in current military service.
Although only weighing 250 pounds, its ability to strike is comparable to much heavier bombs, and its small size (180 centimetres long and 19 centimetres wide) means a large number can be deployed during a single sortie: Israeli Air Force F-15Is will typically carry up to 20 at a time.
GPS technologies direct the SDB to its target and it can cover a range exceeding 100 kilometres. This range is partly achieved through the use of small, retractable wings which extend while the weapon is in flight.
Although only weighing 250 pounds, its ability to strike is comparable to much heavier bombs, and its small size (180 centimetres long and 19 centimetres wide) means a large number can be deployed during a single sortie: Israeli Air Force F-15Is will typically carry up to 20 at a time.
GPS technologies direct the SDB to its target and it can cover a range exceeding 100 kilometres. This range is partly achieved through the use of small, retractable wings which extend while the weapon is in flight.
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