Ground Launched Variant of the Small Diameter Bomb in Production

This post is also available in: עברית (Hebrew)

The Small Diameter Bomb, also known as the GBU-39B, is a bomb with retractable gliders that allow it to accurately guide itself to its target. Developed by Boeing, the bomb is an air-dropped weapon that several militaries around the world operate. However, now Boeing and Saab has teamed up to develop a ground launched variant of the GBU-39B, the GLSDB (Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb).

The GLSDB was first tested in 2015. The first test was to see how well the small diameter bomb integrates with the M26 rocket. The second test was two years later and was mainly to test the weapon’s guidance systems. The final test happened in Norway and was to determine if the weapon is capable of hitting a target 130 kilometers away.

After the successful third launch of the ground to ground small diameter bomb, Boeing and Saab believe they have managed to acquire the necessary data to move the weapon into mass production.

Now with the small diameter bomb about to enter production, the two companies need to find buyers for the weapon system. While the United States remains a potential buyer for the product, the two companies believe that their best markets are international militaries, specifically those with smaller air forces and looking for a low cost option for precision strikes.

Defensenews.com reports that the weapon is launched from a standard launch container, such as the Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS), which is used by many of the United State’s allies. Therefore, increasing the likelihood of international buyers.