Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb

The Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) is a weapon made by Boeing and the Saab Group, who modified Boeing's GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB) with the addition of a rocket motor. Initial testing began in 2015. The weapon is launched from ground-based missile systems such as the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System and M142 HIMARS.[3]

Ground Launched Small Diameter Bomb
TypeSurface-to-surface missile
Production history
DesignerBoeing & Saab Group
Specifications
Mass600 lb (270 kg)
Length12 ft 10 in (3.91 m)
Diameter9+1⁄2 in (240 mm)
WarheadFragmentation multipurpose warhead
EngineM26 rocket motor
Wingspan5 ft 3.3 in (1.61 m)
Operational
range
150 km (93 mi)
Guidance
system
GPS supported INS
Accuracy3 ft 3 in (1 m) CEP
Launch
platform
ReferencesJanes[1][2]

Design
The GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb

Boeing proposed a special adapter case to use an M26 rocket to launch the SDB. After the rocket motor launches it to a high enough altitude and speed, the wings would deploy and glide the bomb to its target. The company believed it could fill a gap for long-range precision fires while using its smaller warhead to save larger rocket munitions for strategic targets. While typical rockets from multiple launch rocket systems (MLRS) follow a ballistic trajectory, the rocket-launched SDB can be launched to altitude and glide on a selected trajectory.[4][5]

Boeing and Saab Group conducted three successful GLSDB tests in February 2015. The system utilizes an existing weapon paired with a stockpiled rocket motor, while maintaining the loadout on a rocket artillery system. Unlike traditional artillery weapons, the GLSDB offers 360-degree coverage for high and low angles of attack, flying around terrain to hit targets on the back of mountains, or circling back around to a target behind the launch vehicle. The GLSDB has a range of 150 km (93 mi), or can hit targets 70 km (43 mi) behind the launch vehicle.[6][7][8]

In a 2017 demonstration, the GLSDB engaged a moving target at a distance of 100 km (62 mi). The SDB and rocket motor separated at altitude and the bomb used a semi-active laser (SAL) seeker to track and engage the target.[9] A 2019 test extended this range to 130 km (81 mi) against a target at sea.[10]

The cost is undisclosed, however the SDB used in GLSDB has a cost of $40,000.[11]

The purpose in developing the weapons was to offer poorer countries the strike capacity of more expensive and advanced air forces. Jim Leary, director of global sales for Boeing, told reporters in 2019: “It really fits across a broader customer set because we’re taking an existing capability, maximizing it and creating an opportunity [for countries] that don’t have the ability to have a robust air force,” [12]

Use in combat

On 3 February 2023, the United States government announced an aid package for Ukraine as part of assistance during the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine that would include the GLSDB which will be used in the Ukraine-operated HIMARS to hit Russian targets that had been moved out of GMLRS range. This will mark the weapon's first export and use in combat. However, since the weapon is not part of the U.S. military inventory and can't be launched from current Ukrainian equipment, it is estimated it could take up to nine months for Boeing and the U.S. government to agree on the terms of the contract and perform necessary retrofits on ground launchers.[13][14][15][16]

Operators
 Ukraine

References
  1. 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
  2. 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
  3. Boeing and Saab Adapt Air Launched Small Bomb for Ground Launch. Boeing.com. Accessed 30 May 2019.
  4. Boeing furthers Ground-Launched SDB – Shephardmedia.com, May 24, 2013
  5. Boeing Developing Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb – Defensenews.com, 22 October 2013
  6. Boeing, Saab Unveil Ground Launched SDB – Defensenews.com, 10 March 2015
  7. "Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB)". Archived from the original on 27 March 2017. Retrieved 26 March 2017.
  8. "Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) – Army Technology". www.army-technology.com.
  9. Ground launched SDB jointly made by Saab and Boeing. Army Recognition. 13 June 2018.
  10. "Saab has together with Boeing conducted a successful long-range test firing of the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bomb (GLSDB) in Norway". saabgroup.com. SAAB. 14 October 2019. Retrieved 15 October 2019.
  11. "Exclusive: 100-mile strike weapon weighed for Ukraine as arms makers wrestle with demand". Reuters. Reuters. 28 November 2022. Retrieved 28 November 2022.
  12. "Ukraine's New Rocket-Boosted Glide-Bombs Can Turn Around And Hit Targets On The Backs Of Hills, 90 Miles Away". Forbes. Forbes. 3 February 2023. Retrieved 4 February 2023.
  13. Mike Stone (31 January 2023). "U.S. readies $2 billion-plus Ukraine aid package with longer-range weapons -sources". Reuters. Retrieved 31 January 2023.
  14. JOE SABALLA (29 November 2022). "Ukraine Poised to Become First Operator of 150-Kilometer Precision Bomb". The Defense Post. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  15. "Transcript: The Politics of War and Leadership with Gen. David Petraeus". The Washington Post. 30 January 2023. Retrieved 1 February 2023.
  16. Seligman, Lara; McLeary, Paul (3 February 2023). "New U.S. aid package includes longer-range bombs for Ukraine". Politico. Retrieved 3 February 2023.
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