DeZwarteRidder schreef op 2 februari 2023 14:04:
Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb
Manufacturer Boeing
Saab Group
The
Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) is a weapon made by Boeing and the Saab Group, who modified Boeing's GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) with the addition of a rocket motor. Initial testing began in 2015. If supplied to Ukraine in 2023, this would mark the weapon's first export and use in combat. The weapon is launched from ground-based missile systems such as the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System and M142 HIMARS.[1]
Synopsis
The GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb
The US Army is demilitarizing cluster munitions from M26 rockets; Boeing says a special adapter case could reuse the rocket to launch the SDB. After the rocket motor launches it to a high enough altitude and speed, the wings will deploy and glide the bomb to its target. The company believes it can fill a gap for long-range precision fires while using its smaller warhead to save larger rocket munitions for strategic targets. While typical rockets from multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) follow a ballistic trajectory, the rocket-launched SDB can be launched to altitude and glide on a selected trajectory.[2][3]
Boeing and Saab Group conducted three successful GLSDB tests in February 2015. The system utilizes an existing weapon paired with a stockpiled rocket motor, while maintaining the loadout on a rocket artillery system. Unlike traditional artillery weapons, the GLSDB offers 360-degree coverage for high and low angles of attack, flying around terrain to hit targets on the back of mountains, or circling back around to a target behind the launch vehicle. The GLSDB has a range of 93 mi (150 km), or can hit targets 43 mi (70 km) behind the launch vehicle.[4][5][6]
In a 2017 demonstration, the GLSDB engaged a moving target at a distance of 62 mi (100 km). The SDB and rocket motor separated at altitude and the bomb used a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker to track and engage the target.[7] A 2019 test extended this range to 81 mi (130 km) against a target at sea.[8]
Ukraine
In November 2022, the Pentagon considered supplying GLSDB to Ukraine for use during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, to be used from the HIMARS system. Ukraine has long wanted the ATACMS missiles for their long range. It could be delivered by early 2023 using surplus bombs from the conflict in Afghanistan. Each would cost $40,000.[9] The price per unit for ATACMS is estimated to be well over $1M.[10]
On 31 January 2023, the United States government is reportedly preparing another aid package to Ukraine reported to include the GLSDB. The weapon's range is of interest to Ukraine since Russia has moved important facilities out of range of currently supplied HIMARS or MLRS rockets. This would mark the weapon's first export and use in combat.[11][12][13]