| 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)[1] |
| 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)[1] |
| Wingspan | 5 ft 3.3 in (1.61 m) 7.5 in (190 mm) packed[1] |
| Warhead | Fragmentation multipurpose warhead |
| Warhead weight | 93 kg (205 lb)[2][3] Explosive fill: 16 kg (35 lb) AFX-757 Insensitive munition certified PBX[3][4][2][5] Penetration: greater than 3 ft (0.91 m) of steel reinforced concrete[6] |
| 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[7][8] |
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.[9][10]
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.
- ^ a b c "Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB)". Army Technology. 10 June 2021. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
- ^ a b Shulgin, Dmitry (14 March 2015). "GLSDB". Modern weapons. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
- ^ a b "Boeing Backgrounder" (PDF). Boeing. Archived from the original (PDF) on 30 September 2023. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
- ^ Pike, John (14 May 2023). "Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB)". globalsecurity.org. Retrieved 14 May 2023.
- ^ GALLET, Matthieu (30 December 2020). "Boeing GBU-39/B SDB". AviationsMilitaires.net (in French). Retrieved 18 May 2023.
- ^ "Small Diameter Bomb". Boeing Canada. Retrieved 18 May 2023.
- ^ Hughes, Robin (14 October 2019), "AUSA 2019: Boeing, Saab conduct long-range GLSDB firing", Janes Missiles & Rockets, Coulsdon, Surrey: Jane's Group UK Limited., retrieved 3 February 2023
- ^ Janes (3 February 2023), "M142 227 mm (6-round) High-Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS)", Janes Land Warfare Platforms: Artillery & Air Defence, Coulsdon, Surrey: Jane's Group UK Limited., retrieved 3 February 2023
- ^ "Boeing, Saab Adapt Air Launched Small Bomb for Ground Launch". Boeing. 10 March 2015. Archived from the original on 11 March 2023. Retrieved 6 April 2023.
- ^ Selinger, Marc (1 November 2022). "Saab expects first contract soon for new GLSDB artillery weapon". Janes. Archived from the original on 24 September 2023. Retrieved 6 April 2023.