Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb Explained

Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb
Type:Surface-to-surface missile
Is Explosive:y
Is Missile:y
Designer:Boeing & Saab Group
Design Date:20152019
Production Date:2023
Length:
SDB length is
Diameter:
SDB packed height is
SDB packed width is
Filling:Fragmentation multipurpose warhead
Filling Weight:
Explosive fill: AFX-757 Insensitive munition certified PBX[1] [2] [3] [4]
Penetration: greater than of steel reinforced concrete[5]
Engine:M26 rocket motor
Guidance:GPS supported INS
Wingspan:
packed[6]
Accuracy: CEP
Ref:Janes

The Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) is a weapon developed by Boeing and the Saab Group to allow Boeing's GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB), originally developed for use by aircraft, to be ground-launched from a variety of launchers and configurations. It combines the SDB with the M26 rocket, enabling it to be launched from ground-based missile systems such as the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System and M142 HIMARS.[7] [8]

The weapon started initial mass production in 2023 and saw its first combat deployment by Ukraine in 2024 during the Russian invasion of the country. The performance was reportedly disappointing due to Russia's electromagnetic warfare capabilities, along with deficiencies in tactics, techniques, and procedures.

Design

Boeing, in partnership with Saab, developed an "inter-stage adapter" to connect the SDB to an M26 rocket.[9] Also providing expertise are the Norwegian-Finnish company Nammo (booster rocket)[10] and the Norwegian company Nordic Shelter (launchers).[11] [8] The advantage of the M26 is that there is an abundant stockpile of these rockets.[12] Production of these rockets ceased in 2001, when 506,718 rockets had been produced.[13] As of 2004, 439,194 remained in total inventory. By 2007 the Army was paying to destroy them.[14] The original ordnance carried by the M26 did not meet the terms of the Convention on Cluster Munitions (not signed by the United States).[10] Although the GLSDB can be launched from either MLRS or HIMARS, it also comes with its own launcher, which resembles a nondescript 20feet shipping container, making it easier to create decoys and more difficult for the enemy to locate and target.[15] [16] After the rocket motor launches it to a high enough altitude and speed, the SDB separates from the rocket and the wings deploy, allowing the bomb to glide to its target. The GLSDB carries a smaller warhead, with about one-third less explosives than is delivered with the existing GMLRS, depending on the type[12] ([17] vs [18]). 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.[19] [20] Twelve M26 rockets at a time can be launched from MLRS, six at a time from HIMARS.[21]

Boeing and Saab Group conducted three successful GLSDB tests in February 2015. 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 150km (90miles), or can hit targets 70km (40miles) behind the launch vehicle.[22] [23] The weapon can be set to detonate above the ground or with a delay for deep penetration.[9]

In a 2017 demonstration, the GLSDB engaged a moving target at a distance of . The SDB and rocket motor separated at altitude and the bomb used a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker to track and engage the target.[24] The laser-guided SDB had previously been tested successfully using targets travelling at 50mph.[25]

The cost is undisclosed; however the SDB used in GLSDB has a cost to the U.S. military of about $40,000,[26] [27] with the accompanying M26 rocket coming from obsolete inventory. The amount to be allocated to each GLSDB of the cost of the "inter-stage adapter", the cost to develop a launcher-container, and the other GLSDB development and production costs of Boeing and Saab is unknown.[28] For comparison purposes, the cost of a single M31 missile is estimated at $500,000,[12] though this may be the "export price", always higher than the amount charged to the U.S. Army.[29] According to the U.S. Army's budget, it will pay about $168,000 for each GMLRS in 2023.[30] [31] The GLSDB is being offered to Ukraine as a long distance alternative to the ATACMS missiles,[32] [33] which have a price per unit estimated to be well over $1 million.[34] The other long distance alternative is the Storm Shadow missiles,[35] each of which is estimated to cost around £2 million ($2.5 million,[36] fiscal year 2023). The U.K. has agreed to supply these to Ukraine.[37] The purpose in developing the weapons was to offer poorer countries the strike capacity of more expensive and advanced air forces.

Unlike conventional artillery that follows a predictable path from launch to destination, the wings and navigation ability of the GLSDB allow it to evade obstacles and anti-air defenses by steering around them, even approaching from the target’s rear.[38] [20] Also, because the GLSDB is a glider it has little IR signature, making it a poor target for IR homing missiles such as MANPADS.[39]

Use in combat

On 3 February 2023, the United States government announced an aid package for Ukraine as part of assistance during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine that would include the GLSDB, which could be launched out of existing Ukraine-operated HIMARS or MLRS launchers (or out of its own launcher) to hit Russian targets that had been moved out of GMLRS range. The GLSDB almost doubles the range that Ukraine could previously target with these launchers (150 km (93 mi) vs 85 km (53 mi) with GMLRS).[40] [13]

The weapon entered "initial mass production stage" in 2023.[41] On 30 January 2024, Politico reported that the missiles could be deployed as soon as the following day.[42] On 14 February 2024, Russian media published footage on what looks to be a GLSDB tail wreckage, reportedly found near Kreminna, Luhansk Oblast.[43] [44] On 26 March 2024, a GLSDB was used to strike a house, in Chernyanka, Kherson, where Russian UAV operators were based.[45] Ukrainian forces also destroyed a Russia 2S9 Nona 120 mm mortar and the “burning” of another in Zaporizhzhia.[46]

In April 2024, a U.S. defense official remarked that the combat performance had been disappointing: due to Russian jamming and deficiencies in tactics, techniques, and procedures "it just didn't work". The War Zone wasn't certain that this was the weapon system referred to. Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment, William LaPlante, could have referred also to the APKWS II or another undisclosed weapon system. The Under Secretary also noted that the production and testing of the weapon was "raced and (they) did it as fast as they could". He also referred to multiple reasons, including tactics, doctrine and "electromagnetic interference" as being issues.[47]

Ukrainian Air Force has used air dropped GBU-39 Small Diameter Bombs since November 2023. The air dropped Small Diameter Bomb "has proved resilient to jamming” and has a “nearly 90 percent" accuracy rate. Previously Ukraine had operated the GLSDB ground launched version of the Small Diameter Bomb. Which was regarded "ineffective" due to Russian jamming. They are also harder to intercept due to their small size.[48] This small size, combined with being air launched, means that the SDB might hits at a target before the Russian Electronic Warfare can get jamming the weapon. The GLSDB has a "parabolic flight path" of artillery fire that can be detected on radar.[49]

Operators

Current operators

Potential operators

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Boeing Backgrounder . Boeing . 14 May 2023 . 30 September 2023 . https://web.archive.org/web/20230930191708/https://www.boeing.co.kr/resources/ko_KR/Seoul-International/2015/GLSDB.pdf . dead .
  2. Web site: Pike . John . Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) . globalsecurity.org . 2023-05-14 . 2023-05-14.
  3. Web site: Shulgin . Dmitry . GLSDB . Modern weapons . 2015-03-14 . 2023-05-14.
  4. Web site: GALLET . Matthieu . Boeing GBU-39/B SDB . AviationsMilitaires.net . 2020-12-30 . fr . 2023-05-18.
  5. Web site: Small Diameter Bomb . Boeing Canada . 2023-05-18.
  6. Web site: Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) . Army Technology . 2021-06-10 . 2023-04-06.
  7. Web site: 10 March 2015 . Boeing, Saab Adapt Air Launched Small Bomb for Ground Launch . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230311030524/https://boeing.mediaroom.com/2015-03-10-Boeing-Saab-Adapt-Air-Launched-Small-Bomb-for-Ground-Launch . 11 March 2023 . 6 April 2023 . Boeing.
  8. Web site: Selinger . Marc . 1 November 2022 . Saab expects first contract soon for new GLSDB artillery weapon . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230924212018/https://www.janes.com/defence-news/news-detail/saab-expects-first-contract-soon-for-new-glsdb-artillery-weapon . 24 September 2023 . 6 April 2023 . Janes.
  9. Web site: Newdick . Thomas . 28 November 2022 . Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb Would Double Ukraine's Precision Strike Range . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230816171055/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ground-launched-small-diameter-bomb-would-double-ukraines-precision-strike-range . 16 August 2023 . 6 April 2023 . The Drive.
  10. Web site: Hoyle . Craig . 16 June 2015 . PARIS: Boeing, Saab test ground-launched small diameter bomb . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20210225044016/https://www.flightglobal.com/paris-boeing-saab-test-ground-launched-small-diameter-bomb/117304.article . 25 February 2021 . 10 April 2023 . FlightGlobal.
  11. Web site: 2021-12-02 . Nammo and Nordic Shelter join GLSDB team . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20211202172737/https://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/nammo-and-nordic-shelter-join-glsdb-team/ . 2021-12-02 . 2023-04-06 . Shephard.
  12. Web site: Korshak . Stefan . 2023-02-04 . EXPLAINED: Ukraine to Get New Long-Range GLSDB Missiles – What Happens Next? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230204065252/https://www.kyivpost.com/post/11815 . 2023-02-04 . 2023-04-04 . KyivPost.
  13. Colonel Joe Russo . CO 14 Marines . Long-Range Precision Fires . Marine Corps Gazette . May 2018 . 40 . 8 April 2023.
  14. Web site: 2020-11-24 . Cluster Munition Ban Policy - Reports . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231029102928/http://www.the-monitor.org/en-gb/reports/2020/united-states/cluster-munition-ban-policy.aspx . 2023-10-29 . 2023-04-04 . The Monitor.
  15. Web site: Detsch . Jack . 2023-01-12 . Pentagon Balks at Sending Ukraine Long-Range Bombs . live . https://archive.today/20230113061359/https://foreignpolicy.com/2023/01/12/russia-ukraine-war-pentagon-balks-long-range-bombs/ . 2023-01-13 . Foreign Policy.
  16. Web site: Hardie . John . Bowman . Bradley . 19 December 2022 . Send the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb to Ukraine . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231201211111/https://breakingdefense.com/2022/12/send-the-ground-launched-small-diameter-bomb-to-ukraine/ . 1 December 2023 . 7 April 2023 . Breaking Defense.
  17. Web site: Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230930191708/https://www.boeing.co.kr/resources/ko_KR/Seoul-International/2015/GLSDB.pdf . 30 September 2023 . 14 May 2023 . Boeing.
  18. Web site: 2021-10-14 . Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System (GMLRS) Unitary Warhead . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230927140957/https://www.gd-ots.com/missiles-and-rockets/warheads-and-payloads/gmlrs/ . 2023-09-27 . 2023-05-14 . General Dynamics Ordnance and Tactical Systems.
  19. Web site: Skinner . Tony . 24 May 2013 . Boeing furthers Ground-Launched SDB . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130714182049/http://www.shephardmedia.com/news/landwarfareintl/boeing-furthers-ground-launched-sdb . 14 July 2013 . Shephard Media.
  20. News: 22 October 2013 . Boeing Developing Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb . dead . https://archive.today/20131026162744/http://www.defensenews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=2013310220034 . 26 October 2013 . 8 January 2023 . Defense News.
  21. Web site: Axe . David . 2023-02-03 . Ukraine's New Rocket-Boosted Glide-Bombs Can Turn Around And Hit Targets On The Backs Of Hills, 90 Miles Away . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230203194551/https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2023/02/03/ukraines-new-rocket-boosted-glide-bombs-can-turn-around-and-hit-targets-on-the-backs-of-hills-90-miles-away/ . 2023-02-03 . 2023-04-04 . Forbes.
  22. News: Mehta . Aaron . 10 March 2015 . Boeing, Saab Unveil Ground Launched SDB . live . https://archive.today/20180519172306/https://www.defensenews.com/land/2015/03/10/boeing-saab-unveil-ground-launched-sdb/ . 19 May 2018 . Defensenews.com.
  23. Web site: 1 November 2015 . Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) – Army Technology . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231025113629/https://www.army-technology.com/projects/small-diameter-bomb-glsdb/ . 25 October 2023 . Army Technology.
  24. Web site: 13 June 2018 . Ground launched SDB jointly made by Saab and Boeing . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230530073219/https://www.armyrecognition.com/eurosatory_2018_official_news_online/eurosatory_2018_ground_launched_sdb_jointly_made_by_saab_and_boeing.html . 30 May 2023 . Army Recognition.
  25. Web site: Weisgerber . Marcus . 9 August 2012 . Boeing: Laser Small Diameter Bomb Could Fill Gap . dead . https://archive.today/20140527172718/http://www.defensenews.com/article/20120809/DEFREG02/308090001/Boeing-Laser-Small-Diameter-Bomb-Could-Fill-Gap . 27 May 2014 . 8 April 2023 . Defense News.
  26. News: Stone . Mike . 28 November 2022 . Exclusive: 100-mile strike weapon weighed for Ukraine as arms makers wrestle with demand . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20221128060827/https://www.reuters.com/business/aerospace-defense/100-mile-strike-weapon-weighed-ukraine-arms-makers-wrestle-with-demand-sources-2022-11-28/ . 28 November 2022 . 28 November 2022 . Reuters.
  27. Web site: Trevithick . Joseph . 2020-02-18 . Here Is What Each Of The Pentagon's Air-Launched Missiles And Bombs Actually Cost . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231124225825/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/32277/here-is-what-each-of-the-pentagons-air-launched-missiles-and-bombs-actually-cost . 2023-11-24 . 2023-04-05 . The Drive.
  28. Web site: Dyson . Tauren . 2019-09-27 . Boeing awarded $280M contract for small diameter bomb integration . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20190928024801/https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2019/09/27/Boeing-awarded-280M-contract-for-small-diameter-bomb-integration/7501569612558/ . 2019-09-28 . 2023-04-05 . UPI.
  29. Web site: 2022-11-03 . How Much GMLRS Missiles for HIMARS Cost: New Massive Contract with Finland Tells . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20240105082039/https://en.defence-ua.com/news/how_much_gmlrs_missiles_for_himars_cost_new_massive_contract_with_finland_tells-4742.html . 2024-01-05 . 2023-04-05 . Defense Express.
  30. Web site: Altman . Howard . 2022-07-27 . Are There Enough Guided Rockets For HIMARS To Keep Up With Ukraine War Demand? . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231208011002/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/are-there-enough-guided-rockets-for-himars-to-keep-up-with-ukraine-war-demand . 2023-12-08 . 2023-04-04 . The Drive.
  31. Web site: Parsons . Dan . 2022-05-31 . Ukraine To Get Guided Rockets, But Not Ones Able To Reach Far Into Russia (Updated) . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231215151444/https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/ukraine-to-get-guided-rockets-but-not-ones-able-to-reach-far-into-russia . 2023-12-15 . 2023-04-05 . The Drive.
  32. Web site: 2023-06-22 . Ukraine to receive first GLSDB missiles no earlier than autumn – Pentagon . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230803125112/https://news.yahoo.com/ukraine-receive-first-glsdb-missiles-132500338.html . 2023-08-03 . 2023-07-03 . Yahoo! News . en.
  33. Web site: Gould . Joe . 2023-01-19 . US still holds back long-range ATACMS missiles from Ukraine . live . https://archive.today/20240108230236/https://www.defensenews.com/pentagon/2023/01/19/us-still-holds-back-long-range-atacms-missiles-from-ukraine/ . 2024-01-08 . 2023-05-13 . Defense News.
  34. Cancian . Mark F. . Will the United States Provide Long-Range Rockets to Ukraine? . CSIS . 2022-05-31 . 2023-05-13.
  35. Web site: Roblin . Sébastien . 2023-05-11 . U.K. Gives Ukraine the Storm Shadow: Long-Range Missile Details . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231108025355/https://www.popularmechanics.com/military/aviation/a43864887/uk-gives-ukraine-storm-shadow-long-range-missile/ . 2023-11-08 . 2023-05-12 . Popular Mechanics.
  36. Web site: 1 GBP to USD . British Pounds to US Dollars Exchange Rate . 2023-05-13 . 2023-05-13.
  37. Web site: Sabbagh . Dan . 2023-05-09 . British-led coalition hopes to supply longer-range missiles to Ukraine . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231102041312/https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/may/09/british-led-coalition-hoping-to-supply-longer-range-missiles-to-ukraine . 2023-11-02 . 2023-05-13 . the Guardian.
  38. Web site: 2023-02-01 . Factbox: U.S. rocket-powered bomb would double Ukraine's strike range . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230206181244/https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/us-rocket-powered-bomb-would-double-ukraines-strike-range-2023-02-01/ . 2023-02-06 . 2023-04-05 . Reuters.
  39. Web site: GLSDB, Perhaps a Low Cost, Containerized, Precision, Shore Bombardment and Anti-Ship Weapon / Maybe Taiwan Could Use It Too . Chuck Hill's CG Blog . 2022-12-15 . 2023-04-08.
  40. Web site: Bickerton . James . 2023-02-03 . U.S. giving Ukraine smart bombs to double strike range against Russia . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20231004192915/https://www.newsweek.com/us-giving-ukraine-smart-bombs-double-strike-range-against-russia-1778875 . 2023-10-04 . 2023-04-03 . Newsweek.
  41. Web site: Bisht . Inder Singh . 2023-03-30 . Ukraine War Delayed Taiwan's 150-Kilometer Precision Bomb Purchase: Report . live . https://web.archive.org/web/20230806003610/https://www.thedefensepost.com/2023/03/30/ukraine-taiwan-precision-bomb/ . 2023-08-06 . 2023-04-03 . The Defense Post.
  42. Web site: New US-made longer-range bomb expected to arrive as soon as Wednesday in Ukraine . Lee . Hudson . Lara . Seligman . Paul . McLeary . . 30 January 2024 . 30 January 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240130190859/https://www.politico.com/news/2024/01/30/new-us-made-longer-range-bomb-expected-to-arrive-as-soon-wednesday-in-ukraine-00138566 . 30 January 2024 . live .
  43. Web site: 15 February 2024 . Defense Express: Ukraine uses GLSDB for the first time in human history, shocks Russia . Serge Havrylets. 15 February 2024 . euromaidanpress.
  44. Web site: 14 February 2024 . Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb Makes Combat Debut In Ukraine. Thomas Newdick . 15 February 2024 . twz.
  45. Web site: 26 March 2024 . GLSDB hit the position of Russian UAV operators in the Kherson region . 7 April 2024.
  46. Web site: 27 March 2024 . Ukraine forces use GLSDB precision guided bomb to destroy Russian 2S Nona-S mortar carriers . Army Recognition . 7 April 2024.
  47. Web site: April 25, 2014. April 25, 2024. Have Ground Launched Small Diameter Bombs Been 'Thrown Aside' By Ukraine? . Joseph Trivithick . twz .
  48. News: Ukraine Situation Report: Kyiv Says It's Using Air-Launched Small Diameter Bombs . 27 May 2024 . TWZ. THOMAS NEWDICK . 24 May 2024 . en.
  49. News: US-made GBU-39 SDB Glide Bomb is Beating Russian Jamming In Ukraine . 27 May 2024 . The Aviationist. PARTH SATAM . 25 May 2024 . en.

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