GBU-31

Thats a big mother of a bomb

The Joint Direct Attack Munition designated GBU-31 is a 2,000-pound class munition guided by an $18,000 tail kit.

JDAM is a family of guided air-to-surface weapons that is comprised of the GBU-31(V)2/B, GBU-31(V)4/B, GBU-32(V)2/B, and GBU-35(V)1/B for the United States Navy (USN) and United States Marine Corps (USMC). Navy and Marine JDAMs use the MK 84, BLU-109, MK 83, or the BLU-110 warheads, respectively, as the payload. Other JDAM configurations exist for the United States Air Force (USAF).

Developmental Test (DT) objectives of the GBU-31(V)2/B and GBU-31(V)4/B have been met, with the exception of GBU-31(V)4/B compatibility with the FMU-152 JPF. Post MS III GBU-31(V)2/B and GBU-31(V)4/B DT objectives will involve resolution of the GBU-31(V)4/B FMU-152 JPF incompatibility, Lot Acceptance Test (LAT)/Weapon System Evaluation Program (WSEP) and technology insertion. Initial Operational Capability (IOC) was achieved with these JDAM configurations in May 2001.

The F/A-18E/F is an objective JDAM fighter/attack aircraft. Investigation of the F/A-18E/F JDAM captive carry environment was satisfactorily completed with GBU-31(V)2/B and GBU-31(V)4/B Environmental GTV (EGTV) flights at the Naval Air Warfare Center, Aircraft Division (NAWCAD), Patuxent River, MD. Fifty Separation Test Vehicles (STVs) will be released at NAWCAD to investigate weapon separation characteristics and generate a full envelope release clearance. Six GTVs will be captive carried and released at the Naval Air Warfare Center, Weapons Division (NAWCWD) to evaluate full system integration and weapon system performance. Test missions will be preplanned using the latest TAMPS mission planning software. Test scenarios will cover a limited spectrum of JDAM requirements and mission profiles for the fighter mission. Aircraft telemetry, range Time, Space, Position Information (TSPI), JDAM telemetry and impact scoring data will be collected and analyzed to assess aircraft system compatibility and overall weapon performance.

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