In a modern combat environment, the use of guided bomb units (GBUs) has become a traditional method of warfare. The experience gathered during the Russian operations in Syria has apparently demonstrated the effectiveness of this type of ALW – air-launched weapon.
JSC Scientific & Production Enterprise (GNPP) Region (a subsidiary of the Tactical Missiles Corporation (KTRV) has developed a family of new GBUs that comprises several weapons with a weight between 250 kg and 1,500 kg.
GNPP Region has begun delivering two new extended-range GBUs, namely, the K08BE (500 kg) and the UPAB-1500B-E or K029BE (1,500 kg), to the Russian Aerospace Forces (VKS). “Both bombs have passed through all their trials and are being delivered to the VKS’ units,” GNPP Region director general Igor Krylov told the press. Moreover, export contracts for these items have been signed, with the beginning of deliveries scheduled for 2020.
The UPAB-1500B-E gliding guided bomb is designed to engage ground and surface low-size hardened targets. The munition has been fitted with a folding X-type middle wing with delta-shaped panels. The bomb’s tail features four fins. The UPAB-1500B-E is 5.05 meters long and has a diameter of 0.4 meters. The bomb weighs 1,525 kg and carries a 1,010-kg concrete-piercing high-explosive warhead. The bomb can be dropped at a distance of up to 50 km from an aircraft flying at an altitude of up to 15 km. The munition has been fitted with an inertial-satellite navigation system that provides a CEP (circular error probable) of no more than 10 meters. The GBU’s warhead features a programmable fuse with three time delay modes.
The K08BE guided bomb carries an inertial-satellite navigation system and a 390-kg high-explosive warhead. The munition is designed to engage weapon systems, military vehicles, and infrastructure targets. The bomb weighs 505 kg, is 2.84 meters long, and has a diameter of 0.355 mm. It can be dropped at a distance of up to 40 km from an aircraft flying at an altitude of up to 14 km. The bomb has a CEP of no more than 10 meters. The K08BE features a fuse with three time delay modes. The weapon has received an X-type middle wing with trapezoidal panels and an X-type tail plane.
The new bombs can be deployed by the Su-30SM “Flanker-H” and Su-35 multirole combat aircraft and the Su-34 frontline bomber.
