GBU-28

Guided Bomb Unit‐28 (GBU‐28)
TypeLaser-guided bunker busting bomb
Place of originUnited States
Service history
In serviceSince 1991
Used by
WarsGulf War
Production history
DesignerAlbert L. Weimorts
Manufacturer
Specifications
Mass4,000 lb (1,800 kg)
Length
  • 19 ft 1.3 in (5.824 m) overall
  • 13 ft 3 in (4.04 m) bomb body
Diameter
  • 15 in (382 mm) main body
  • 16 in (407 mm) widest point
FillingTritonal, AFX‐757 IM
Filling weight675 lb (306.2 kg)
Detonation
mechanism
Impact, time delay
ReferencesJanes[1]

The GBU-28 is a 4,000-pound (1,800 kg) class laser-guided "bunker busting" bomb produced originally by the Watervliet Arsenal, Watervliet, New York. It was designed, manufactured, and deployed in less than three weeks due to an urgent need during Operation Desert Storm to penetrate hardened Iraqi command centers located deep underground. Only two of the weapons were dropped in Desert Storm, both by F-111Fs.[2] One GBU-28 was dropped during Operation Iraqi Freedom.[3] It was designed by Albert L. Weimorts.[4][5]

The Enhanced GBU-28 augments the laser-guidance with inertial navigation and GPS guidance systems.[6]

  1. ^ Janes (29 November 2022), "GBU‐28 Paveway III and Enhanced Paveway III", Janes Weapons: Air Launched, Coulsdon, Surrey: Jane's Group UK Limited., retrieved 26 July 2023
  2. ^ Report to Congress on the Conduct of the Persian Gulf War, Es.rice.edu, archived from the original on 2 February 2007, retrieved 14 July 2011
  3. ^ "Operation IRAQI FREEDOM – By The Numbers" (PDF). 30 April 2003. Archived (PDF) from the original on 10 September 2016. Retrieved 8 June 2017.
  4. ^ Martin, Douglas (25 December 2005). "Albert L. Weimorts, Designer of Big Bombs, Dies at 67". The New York Times. ISSN 0362-4331. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  5. ^ Zachary, Stacia (11 March 2008). "'Mother of All Bombs' celebrates 5 years". Eglin Air Force Base. Retrieved 8 May 2024.
  6. ^ "Procurement of Ammunition" (PDF). USAF. Archived from the original (PDF) on 18 February 2013. Retrieved 29 January 2012.