Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb
| Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb | |
|---|---|
The GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb | |
| Type | Surface-launched glide bomb |
| Production history | |
| Designer | Boeing & Saab Group |
| Designed | 2015–2019 |
| Produced | 2023 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 600 lb (270 kg) |
| Length | 12 ft 10 in (3.91 m) SDB length is 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) |
| Diameter | 9+1⁄2 in (240 mm) SDB packed height is 7.75 in (197 mm) SDB packed width is 7.5 in (190 mm) |
| Wingspan | 5 ft 3.3 in (1.61 m) 7.5 in (190 mm) packed |
| Warhead | Fragmentation multipurpose warhead |
| Warhead weight | 93 kg (205 lb) Explosive fill: 16 kg (35 lb) AFX-757 Insensitive munition certified PBX Penetration: greater than 3 ft (0.91 m) of steel reinforced concrete |
| Engine | M26 rocket motor |
Operational range | 150 km (93 mi) |
Guidance system | GPS supported INS |
| Accuracy | 3 ft 3 in (1 m) CEP |
Launch platform |
|
| References | 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.
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.