GBU-15
(GBU-15 (V)1/B) (GBU-15 {V}2/B)
General Info:
Origin = USA
Manufacture = Rockwell International Corp.
Guidance method = Television Electro Optical TV via Mid-course guidance Beacon Data Link (GBU-15 (V)1/B) or Imaging Infrared Seeker via Mid-course guidance Beacon Data Link (GBU-15 {V}2/B)
Mission = Offensive counter air, close air support, interdiction, naval anti- surface warfare
Targets = Mobile soft, fixed hard, fixed soft
Platforms = F-15E, F-111
Performance:
Accuracy = 12ft (INS) to 71ft (GPS/INS)
Range = 5nm to 15nm
Dimensions:
Length = 12 feet, 10.5 inches (3.91 meters)
Weight = 3655 lbs
Warhead:
Mk-84 general purpose or BLU-109 penetrating bombs
Fuse = Impact
The GBU-15 bomb is an unpowered, glide weapon used to destroy high value enemy targets. It is designed to be used with F-15E and F-111F aircraft. While laser guided munitions can be pointed at a laser dot and directed through a doorway, the GBU-15 can be guided real-time by the 'WSO' to land precisely on the door's knob. In other words, the miss distance is not measureable when the weapon system officer is in the loop.
The GBU-15 provides the capability for accurate (automatic or manual) guided delivery of a MK-84 bomb at increased ranges. The GBU-15's effective standoff range is greater than that of laser-guided munitions, since the GBU-15 does not need to have acquired the target before it is released. The weapon is remotely controlled by a datalink system, and the weapon systems operator locates the target area and the specific aimpoint by observing the video transmitted from the weapon. The weapon's midcourse flight path can be adjusted either automatically or manually. Weapon video is either electro-optical (TV camera) or infrared, and generated in the nose of the weapon.
The weapon consists of consisting of various interchangeable guidance, fusing, and control systems designed to meet specific mission requirements, that are attached to either an MK-84 or BLU-109 penetrating warhead. Each weapon has five components -- a forward guidance section, warhead adapter section, control module, airfoil components and a weapon data link.
The guidance section is attached to the nose of the weapon and contains either a television guidance system for daytime or an imaging infrared system for night or limited, adverse weather operations. A data link in the tail section sends guidance updates to the control aircraft that enables the weapon systems operator to guide the bomb by remote control to its target.
This is the first variant of the GBU-15 to be developed. The TV seeker can be used in daylight only. This version has large delta rear wings and was based on the Mk 84 warhead only.
GBU-15(V)2/B
Improved variant introduced in 1985. The imaging infrared optical seeker allows the GBU-15 to be used in low light situations and on targets partially obscured by regular smoke and clouds. This version has large delta rear wings and was based on the Mk 84 warhead only.
GBU-15(V)21/B
Features short chord wings, Mk 84 warhead and TV guidance.
GBU-15(V)22/B
Features short chord wings, Mk 84 warhead and IIR guidance.
GBU-15(V)31/B
Features short chord wings, BLU-109 penetrator warhead and TV guidance.
GBU-15(V)32/B
Features short chord wings, BLU-109 penetrator warhead and IIR guidance.
EGBU-15
Recent improvement introduced in the early 2000's. Adds inertial navigation system and radio altimeter. This improves the effectiveness at longer ranges. Converted weapons are known as GBU-15(V)1C/B and GBU-15(V)2C/B when using Mk 84 warhead and GBU-15(V)31A/B and GBU-15(V)32A/B when using BLU-109.
(GBU-15 (V)1/B) (GBU-15 {V}2/B)
General Info:
Origin = USA
Manufacture = Rockwell International Corp.
Guidance method = Television Electro Optical TV via Mid-course guidance Beacon Data Link (GBU-15 (V)1/B) or Imaging Infrared Seeker via Mid-course guidance Beacon Data Link (GBU-15 {V}2/B)
Mission = Offensive counter air, close air support, interdiction, naval anti- surface warfare
Targets = Mobile soft, fixed hard, fixed soft
Platforms = F-15E, F-111
Performance:
Accuracy = 12ft (INS) to 71ft (GPS/INS)
Range = 5nm to 15nm
Dimensions:
Length = 12 feet, 10.5 inches (3.91 meters)
Weight = 3655 lbs
Warhead:
Mk-84 general purpose or BLU-109 penetrating bombs
Fuse = Impact
The GBU-15 bomb is an unpowered, glide weapon used to destroy high value enemy targets. It is designed to be used with F-15E and F-111F aircraft. While laser guided munitions can be pointed at a laser dot and directed through a doorway, the GBU-15 can be guided real-time by the 'WSO' to land precisely on the door's knob. In other words, the miss distance is not measureable when the weapon system officer is in the loop.
The GBU-15 provides the capability for accurate (automatic or manual) guided delivery of a MK-84 bomb at increased ranges. The GBU-15's effective standoff range is greater than that of laser-guided munitions, since the GBU-15 does not need to have acquired the target before it is released. The weapon is remotely controlled by a datalink system, and the weapon systems operator locates the target area and the specific aimpoint by observing the video transmitted from the weapon. The weapon's midcourse flight path can be adjusted either automatically or manually. Weapon video is either electro-optical (TV camera) or infrared, and generated in the nose of the weapon.
The weapon consists of consisting of various interchangeable guidance, fusing, and control systems designed to meet specific mission requirements, that are attached to either an MK-84 or BLU-109 penetrating warhead. Each weapon has five components -- a forward guidance section, warhead adapter section, control module, airfoil components and a weapon data link.
The guidance section is attached to the nose of the weapon and contains either a television guidance system for daytime or an imaging infrared system for night or limited, adverse weather operations. A data link in the tail section sends guidance updates to the control aircraft that enables the weapon systems operator to guide the bomb by remote control to its target.
Overview of GBU-15 variants
GBU-15(V)1/BThis is the first variant of the GBU-15 to be developed. The TV seeker can be used in daylight only. This version has large delta rear wings and was based on the Mk 84 warhead only.
GBU-15(V)2/B
Improved variant introduced in 1985. The imaging infrared optical seeker allows the GBU-15 to be used in low light situations and on targets partially obscured by regular smoke and clouds. This version has large delta rear wings and was based on the Mk 84 warhead only.
GBU-15(V)21/B
Features short chord wings, Mk 84 warhead and TV guidance.
GBU-15(V)22/B
Features short chord wings, Mk 84 warhead and IIR guidance.
GBU-15(V)31/B
Features short chord wings, BLU-109 penetrator warhead and TV guidance.
GBU-15(V)32/B
Features short chord wings, BLU-109 penetrator warhead and IIR guidance.
EGBU-15
Recent improvement introduced in the early 2000's. Adds inertial navigation system and radio altimeter. This improves the effectiveness at longer ranges. Converted weapons are known as GBU-15(V)1C/B and GBU-15(V)2C/B when using Mk 84 warhead and GBU-15(V)31A/B and GBU-15(V)32A/B when using BLU-109.