User:BeeboMan/sandbox2
| GBU-72 | |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | United States |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) |
The GBU-72, also the GBU-72 Advanced 5K Penetrator, is an American aerial bunker buster laser-guided bomb.
Development and deployment
[edit]On 23 July 2021, the test series consisting of three flights started, planned by the 780th Test Squadron and carried out by the 40th Flight Test Squadron; it aimed to "validate a modified 2,000 pounds (910 kg) Joint Direct Attack Munition tail kit’s ability to control and navigate a 5,000 pounds (2,300 kg) weapon."[1]
On 7 October 2021, an 96th Test Wing McDonnell Douglas F-15E Strike Eagle released the GBU-72 (known as the GBU-72 Advanced 5K Penetrator), over the Eglin Air Force Base range, which ended the initial testing phase. It is to moves on to additional JDAM integration test flights and developmental and operational testing in 2022.[1]
References
[edit]Citations
[edit]- ^ a b King Jr., Samuel (13 October 2021). "Eglin AFB test squadron releases GBU-72 for first time". U.S. Air Force. Retrieved 23 August 2024.