Discussion in Podcast: Bunker-Destroying B-2 Bombers
The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) is a precision-guided bunker-buster bomb designed to destroy deeply buried and hardened underground facilities. In a recent series of strikes against Iranian nuclear targets, the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber was used to deliver these powerful weapons, showcasing their potential in strategic missions.
This massive bomb, weighing around 13 tons and measuring approximately 20.5 feet in length and 31.5 inches in diameter, is equipped with a GPS/INS guidance system for precise targeting, achieving accuracy within a few meters. It also features four fixed trapezoidal wings and four lattice fins for maneuvering its trajectory during the drop, enabling it to penetrate underground targets with accuracy.
The MOP's penetration capability is impressive, as it can penetrate roughly 60 meters of earth or reinforced concrete with a compressive strength near 5,000 PSI before detonating. It can also penetrate about 40 meters of relatively hard rock and roughly 8 meters of very hard (10,000 PSI) reinforced concrete. These figures are based on preliminary data and prototypes, so there is some debate on exact performance.
The B-2 Spirit is the primary operational platform capable of delivering the GBU-57 MOP. This highly capable stealth strategic bomber, built to penetrate defended airspace and deliver these heavy munitions with surprise and precision, can carry up to two MOP bombs per mission. The B-21 Raider is planned to carry it in the future, while the B-52 has been used in testing but requires modifications to carry it operationally.
Flying a B-2 mission with the MOP involves stealth penetration into hostile airspace to reach targets that are deeply buried and protected by sophisticated defenses. Pilots rely on the bomber’s advanced stealth technology and upgraded software and hardware to evade detection and ensure delivery accuracy. These missions are complex and strategic, with the B-2’s ability to deliver such a massive ordnance enabling the destruction of targets unreachable by other means.
The B-2’s upgrades focus on improving stealth, communications, and maintenance efficiency to keep it as a lethal platform ready for immediate strikes. The article features insights from Dr. Melvin Deaile, a retired Air Force colonel and strategic bomber pilot with operational combat experience in the B-2, discussing the experience of flying a strategic bomber in action.
Listeners are encouraged to tune into The MWI Podcast, produced through an endowment from the West Point Class of 1974, to hear more about the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator and its role in modern warfare. The podcast can be found on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favourite podcast app. Don't forget to subscribe to The MWI Podcast to not miss an episode, and leave a rating or review to help spread the word about this informative and engaging series.
[1] "GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator" - Military Factory [2] "B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber" - National Museum of the United States Air Force [3] "B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber" - Air Force Magazine [4] "Operation Midnight Hammer" - The Diplomat
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The MOP's aerodynamic design and GPS/INS guidance system make it a valuable asset in the finance sector, as its precision and penetration capabilities can significantly impact the success of major industry projects, such as construction or mining, when used to excavate hard rock and concrete.
In the realm of finance, the efficient delivery of such a powerful weapon by the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber could potentially revolutionize sectors like aerospace, enabling industries to perform complex tasks with minimal risk, potentially reducing costs and opening up new opportunities for growth.
