 A BLU-109 aboard an F-15E Strike Eagle configured as a JDAM | |
 A BLU-109 aboard an F-16 Falcon configured as a JDAM | |
| Function: | Free-fall penetration bomb (guided when equipped as JDAM or Paveway) |
| Length: | 7 ft 11 in (2.4 m) |
| Diameter: | 14.6 in (370 mm) |
| Weight: | 1,927 lb (874 kg) |
| Range: | Varies by method of employment |
The BLU-109/B is a hardened penetration bomb used by the United States Air Force (BLU is an acronym for Bomb Live Unit). As with other "bunker busters", it is intended to smash through concrete shelters and other hardened structures before exploding. In addition to the US, it is part of the armament of the air force of Denmark, Egypt, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Israel, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates.[1]
Design[]
The BLU-109/B has a steel casing about 1 inch (25.4 mm) thick, filled with 530 lb (240 kg) of Tritonal. It has a delayed-action tail-fuze. The BLU-109 entered service in 1985. It is also used as the warhead of some marks of the GBU-15 electro-optically guided bomb, the GBU-27 Paveway III laser-guided bomb, and the AGM-130 rocket-boosted weapon. This weapon supposedly has the same penetration as the Small Diameter Bomb, although it is not likely to be retired anytime soon, due to the much larger blast capable from its warhead.[citation needed]
See also[]
References[]
External links[]
- BLU-109 / I-2000 / HAVE VOID description, at GlobalSecurity.org
- BLU-109 / I-2000 / HAVE VOID specifications, at GlobalSecurity.org
- BLU-109-B development (abstract), at Jane's Air-Launched Weapons 2009
- BLU-109/B Hard-target Warhead fact sheet, at Hill AFB website, US air Force
The original article can be found at BLU-109 bomb and the edit history here.