The GBU-39 bombs, also known as JDAM (Joint Direct Attack Munition), have been developed to penetrate highly fortified military locations. These are glide bombs characterized by their small diameter, weighing approximately 110 kilograms.
The GBU-39 is an American smart bomb that is precision-guided and designed to penetrate and demolish fortifications from within, such as warehouses and concrete shelters. It is referred to as a "safe bomb" because it only destroys the content of the target without causing damage to the surrounding area.
This bomb is notable for its small diameter, glide capability, and precision guidance, weighing 110 kg. The purpose of its design is to enable aircraft to carry a larger number of bombs. Most of the aircraft of the U.S. Air Force that are used by Israeli forces can carry a bundle of four bombs of this type instead of a single bomb weighing 907 kg.
The GBU-39 is guided by inertial navigation and GPS, featuring a thermal search system that allows for automatic target recognition to strike moving targets. The bomb has three receivers connected to the aircraft and a coordination station in the air operations room.
It entered production in January 2014 and operates using tri-mode targeting (radar, infrared, and semiactive laser) with guidance provided by inertial navigation and global positioning systems.
The bomb is equipped with two types of warheads:
- A penetrator warhead capable of penetrating 2.4 meters of reinforced concrete.
- A blast warhead containing 17 kg of AFX-757 explosives.
It can be fitted with a depleted uranium warhead and has the capability to glide due to its wings, achieving a range of up to 110 km. The price of the bomb ranges from $70,000 to $90,000, depending on technologies and equipment.
