GBU-39B Bomb

Full Specifications

GBU-39B — Compact Precision Strike Glide Bomb

The GBU-39B Small Diameter Bomb marks a paradigm shift in modern aerial strike doctrine, offering a compact yet highly capable munition that multiplies a warplane’s strike potential while minimizing collateral damage. Developed by Boeing’s defense division in the United States, the GBU‑39B is the backbone of the U.S. Air Force’s low‑collateral, high‑precision strike arsenal.

Overview and Operational Role

Originating from U.S. requirements in the late 1990s for a smaller, smarter bomb, the GBU‑39/B entered service in 2006. It was conceived to give strike aircraft the ability to carry multiple precision bombs inside internal bays or on external hardpoints — a marked contrast to older, heavy 2,000‑lb-class bombs. Through its compact size, pilots can load up to four GBU‑39Bs in place of a single large bomb, significantly increasing sortie effectiveness.

Once released, the bomb deploys its fold‑out “DiamondBack” wings (graphite‑epoxy composite) to glide toward the target, using a GPS‑aided Inertial Navigation System (INS) for all‑weather, day‑night precision strikes.

Major Capabilities

• Standoff Range: When dropped from high altitude, the glide wings enable ranges exceeding 110 km (approx. 60 nautical miles), keeping strike aircraft outside many air‑defense envelopes.
• Accuracy: The guidance system achieves a Circular Error Probable (CEP) well under 5 meters — enabling highly accurate engagement of fixed or fortified targets while reducing collateral damage.
• Warhead & Penetration: Its penetrating blast‑fragmentation warhead is optimized to defeat hardened targets such as command bunkers, air defense sites, bridges, and hardened infrastructure — in many cases comparable to much heavier bombs.
• Platform Flexibility: Integrated on many U.S. and allied platforms: fighters, bombers, and stealth jets including F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-35 Lightning II, and various bombers — enabling deployment across diverse mission sets.

GBU-39B Price

While the publicly released catalog unit cost for the GBU‑39/B Small Diameter Bomb is roughly US$40,000 per bomb (SDB‑I, FY 2021).