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ACC F-16s start using 500lbs GBU-38 JDAM at Balad AB
November 4, 2004 (by
Lieven Dewitte) -
USAF Air Combat Command plans to begin using the new 500-pound GBU-38 JDAM, a lightweight satellite-guided bomb at Balad Air Base, Iraq, giving F-16 crews a new option to strike Iraqi insurgents and reduce unwanted destruction.
Testers are making the final checks to certify the 500-pound GBU-38 for use on the block 40 F-16s based at Balad. The bomb is half the size of what had been the smallest Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) in use. Its corresponding lack of explosive force is designed to reduce the collateral damage.
Aircraft from an undisclosed airbase elsewhere in the Middle East made the first combat use of the GBU-38 in early October.
Capt. Joe Sablatura, who commands the weapons flight at Balad AB, said he and his troops have consulted those who worked on the other combat drop of the bombs, exchanging a lot of information.
F-16 crews seem to be really exited about this important new capability for their jet.
The Air Force is developing an even smaller weapon, the 250-pound Small Diameter Bomb. This should not only give a more measured use of explosive power, but the ability to load more bombs on a fighter would also expand the number of targets that can be hit in a single sortie.
Balad Airbase is located in Northern Iraq approximately 68 kilometers North of Baghdad. It is one of the largest (25sq. km) Airbases in Iraq. The airfield is served by two runways 11,300 and 11,200 feet long respectively.
Aircraft from an undisclosed airbase elsewhere in the Middle East made the first combat use of the GBU-38 in early October.
Capt. Joe Sablatura, who commands the weapons flight at Balad AB, said he and his troops have consulted those who worked on the other combat drop of the bombs, exchanging a lot of information.
F-16 crews seem to be really exited about this important new capability for their jet.
The Air Force is developing an even smaller weapon, the 250-pound Small Diameter Bomb. This should not only give a more measured use of explosive power, but the ability to load more bombs on a fighter would also expand the number of targets that can be hit in a single sortie.
Balad Airbase is located in Northern Iraq approximately 68 kilometers North of Baghdad. It is one of the largest (25sq. km) Airbases in Iraq. The airfield is served by two runways 11,300 and 11,200 feet long respectively.
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