GBU-15

The GBU -15

The GBU- 15 is a glide bomb the Armed Forces of the United States with television or infrared seeker head, which has been used since 1985.

GBU -15 1 / B

In 1974 the Air Force Development Test Center ( Eglin Air Force Base ) began developing the GBU- 15, originally a TV -guided glide bomb. The GBU -15 ( 1 / B) was made in November 1983 at the United States Air Force in service. It was equipped with a TV seeker, allowing the choice between a Mk -84 or BLU -109 warhead. The two pairs of wings ( front, back ) are arranged in X-shape. While the rear and larger wings are swept back positive, the front on a negative sweep. The glide bomb is equipped with a two-way communication system. This allows her a target also be assigned when launched and it can shoot the target are transferred to the impact of the bomb.

Furthermore, the GBU -15 1 / B is equipped with the ITAG (Inertial terrain aided guidance ). It is an INS inertial navigation system coupled with a radar that compares the contours of the terrain with a stored map. It is the GBU -15 allow a CEP of three meters.

Inserts

The GBU- 15 was used, among others, during Operation Desert Storm. All 71 GBUs used there were dropped from F -111.

GBU -15 2 / B

When the GBU -15 2 / B is an equipped with an IR seeker head variant of the GBU. Otherwise it is identical to the original. She was commissioned in 1985 in the Air Force in service.

In total, over 2823 GBU- 15 1/ 2 and B / B were prepared.

EGBU -15

In 1999 it was decided in the Air Force, the GBU -15 to continue to improve. The glide bomb was to be equipped with GPS and all-weather seekers. The company Raytheon has been entrusted with the development of these modifications and mass production. The entire contract for the conversion of 1,500 GBU- 15 for EGBU -15 (Enhanced GBU -15 ) has a value of about 57 million U.S. dollars. The EGBU - 15 differs externally by the trapezoidal front and rear wings square.