David
Wed January 8, 2003 12:02am
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McDonnell F-4C Phantom
The first F-4C Phantoms of the USAF arrived in Vietnam at the same time as those of the Marines, in April 1965, with the 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron, followed by those of the 12th TFW, in November, and of the 8th TFW, which was stationed at the Ubon base in Thailand in December of the same year. The Phantoms were detailed to play a defensive fighter role, escorting the F-105s weighted down with their bomb-loads, but when the ranks of the latter began to thin out, the Phantoms also took on attacking roles, achieving excellent results with their precision bombing. Although many units covered themselves with glory in eight years of war, it was the 8th TFW, among the first to reach Vietnam, which was most highly distinguished in battle. On January 2, 1967, F-4Cs of this Wing played a key role in the biggest aerial encounter of the war, shooting down seven MiG-21s without loss; and the 555th TFS (which with the 432nd and 433rd formed the 8th TFW) achieved more victories than any other USAF squadron, with a tally of 39 MiGs. In such dogfights the radar-controlled Sparrow air-to-air missiles and heat-sensitive Sidewinders proved invaluable, but the lack of a traditional cannon, notably for strike missions, soon became evident. It was for this reason that the F-4E version, sent into action toward the end of the war, was equipped with a rotary 20mm cannon, soon proving its worth not only in hitting the enemy on the ground but also in shooting down six enemy jets. By the end of the war the F-4s of the USAF boasted a record of 82 victories in air duels with MiGs, the success ratio in favor of the Phantom pilots being more than two to one.
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David
Wed January 8, 2003 12:02am
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McDonnell F-4C Phantom
The first F-4C Phantoms of the USAF arrived in Vietnam at the same time as those of the Marines, in April 1965, with the 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron, followed by those of the 12th TFW, in November, and of the 8th TFW, which was stationed at the Ubon base in Thailand in December of the same year. The Phantoms were detailed to play a defensive fighter role, escorting the F-105s weighted down with their bomb-loads, but when the ranks of the latter began to thin out, the Phantoms also took on attacking roles, achieving excellent results with their precision bombing. Although many units covered themselves with glory in eight years of war, it was the 8th TFW, among the first to reach Vietnam, which was most highly distinguished in battle. On January 2, 1967, F-4Cs of this Wing played a key role in the biggest aerial encounter of the war, shooting down seven MiG-21s without loss; and the 555th TFS (which with the 432nd and 433rd formed the 8th TFW) achieved more victories than any other USAF squadron, with a tally of 39 MiGs. In such dogfights the radar-controlled Sparrow air-to-air missiles and heat-sensitive Sidewinders proved invaluable, but the lack of a traditional cannon, notably for strike missions, soon became evident. It was for this reason that the F-4E version, sent into action toward the end of the war, was equipped with a rotary 20mm cannon, soon proving its worth not only in hitting the enemy on the ground but also in shooting down six enemy jets. By the end of the war the F-4s of the USAF boasted a record of 82 victories in air duels with MiGs, the success ratio in favor of the Phantom pilots being more than two to one.
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David
Wed January 8, 2003 12:02am
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McDonnell F-4C Phantom
The first F-4C Phantoms of the USAF arrived in Vietnam at the same time as those of the Marines, in April 1965, with the 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron, followed by those of the 12th TFW, in November, and of the 8th TFW, which was stationed at the Ubon base in Thailand in December of the same year. The Phantoms were detailed to play a defensive fighter role, escorting the F-105s weighted down with their bomb-loads, but when the ranks of the latter began to thin out, the Phantoms also took on attacking roles, achieving excellent results with their precision bombing. Although many units covered themselves with glory in eight years of war, it was the 8th TFW, among the first to reach Vietnam, which was most highly distinguished in battle. On January 2, 1967, F-4Cs of this Wing played a key role in the biggest aerial encounter of the war, shooting down seven MiG-21s without loss; and the 555th TFS (which with the 432nd and 433rd formed the 8th TFW) achieved more victories than any other USAF squadron, with a tally of 39 MiGs. In such dogfights the radar-controlled Sparrow air-to-air missiles and heat-sensitive Sidewinders proved invaluable, but the lack of a traditional cannon, notably for strike missions, soon became evident. It was for this reason that the F-4E version, sent into action toward the end of the war, was equipped with a rotary 20mm cannon, soon proving its worth not only in hitting the enemy on the ground but also in shooting down six enemy jets. By the end of the war the F-4s of the USAF boasted a record of 82 victories in air duels with MiGs, the success ratio in favor of the Phantom pilots being more than two to one.
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David
Wed January 8, 2003 12:02am
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Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
Ideal successor to the marvelous Skyraider, the Douglas A-4, a daytime fighter-bomber, was the favorite plane of land-based Marine units and was also widely used by US Navy squadrons, particularly after 1968. Some idea of the Skyhawk's capabilities can be judged by the fact that a single Marine squadron, the VMA-311, carried out a record number of 47,663 sorties between June 1965 and May 1971. The US Navy was so convinced of the aircraft's adaptability to this type of warfare that in 1966, after the initial experiences on the battlefield, it gave the order for production to be resumed so as to take delivery of a further 146 examples of the A-4F. Of all the planes used by the US Navy and US Marine Corps to carry out strike missions in Vietnam, the Skyhawks alone were responsible for over 50 percent; and they suffered the highest battle casualties, losing 196 machines, mainly because they were most often exposed to anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters.
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David
Wed January 8, 2003 12:02am
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Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
Ideal successor to the marvelous Skyraider, the Douglas A-4, a daytime fighter-bomber, was the favorite plane of land-based Marine units and was also widely used by US Navy squadrons, particularly after 1968. Some idea of the Skyhawk's capabilities can be judged by the fact that a single Marine squadron, the VMA-311, carried out a record number of 47,663 sorties between June 1965 and May 1971. The US Navy was so convinced of the aircraft's adaptability to this type of warfare that in 1966, after the initial experiences on the battlefield, it gave the order for production to be resumed so as to take delivery of a further 146 examples of the A-4F. Of all the planes used by the US Navy and US Marine Corps to carry out strike missions in Vietnam, the Skyhawks alone were responsible for over 50 percent; and they suffered the highest battle casualties, losing 196 machines, mainly because they were most often exposed to anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters.
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David
Wed January 8, 2003 12:02am
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Douglas A-4 Skyhawk
Ideal successor to the marvelous Skyraider, the Douglas A-4, a daytime fighter-bomber, was the favorite plane of land-based Marine units and was also widely used by US Navy squadrons, particularly after 1968. Some idea of the Skyhawk's capabilities can be judged by the fact that a single Marine squadron, the VMA-311, carried out a record number of 47,663 sorties between June 1965 and May 1971. The US Navy was so convinced of the aircraft's adaptability to this type of warfare that in 1966, after the initial experiences on the battlefield, it gave the order for production to be resumed so as to take delivery of a further 146 examples of the A-4F. Of all the planes used by the US Navy and US Marine Corps to carry out strike missions in Vietnam, the Skyhawks alone were responsible for over 50 percent; and they suffered the highest battle casualties, losing 196 machines, mainly because they were most often exposed to anti-aircraft fire and enemy fighters.
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David
Mon January 13, 2003 9:53am
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Dressed to Kill
Joseph C. Fornelli, Teak and brass "Any warrior has something happen when he puts on his battle clothes--you feel that it gives you a kind of magical power, makes you invisible or gives you strength inside. So something takes over that as a rational person you know is ridiculous. But if you thought that way in combat you'd be dead. You're so vulnerable...You know, there is a certain strange high, and excitement about somebody shooting at you and you at them. It's hard to breathe and pushes on your shoulders. This heavy air, the heat, the humidity of Vietnam, is something you don't know. It's the kind of air you can feel touching your body and pushing at you." 50-caliber shell casings, 1965.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm
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GBU-12 Paveway I/II
Function: Bomb with guidance support system.
Description: The Guided Bomb Unit-12 (GBU-12) utilizes a 500-pound general purpose warhead. The operator illuminates a target with a laser designator and then the munition guides to a spot of laser energy reflected from the target.
The GBU-12 Paveway II is a smaller version of the GBU-10 Laser Guided Bomb (LGB). Utilizing the same principles as the GBU-10, the GBU-1 uses the Mk. 82 500 pound bomb with the same seeker head technology as the GBU-10. Targets may be designated by either the launching aircraft or another aircraft in the area, by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), or by personnel on the ground. In addition, since the GBU-12 orients itself on the reflected laser, rather than the target, it can be directed towards a different target after launch simply by pointing the designator at a different target.
The munition was used during Operation Desert Storm, and, according to the Air Force, hit 88 percent of its targets. During Desert Storm the GBU-12 was dropped by F-lllFs, F-15Es, and A-6s, mostly against fixed armor. It was the F-111F tank-busting weapon of choice. Of the 4,493 GBU-12s employed, over half were dropped by the F-lllF.
There are two generations of GBU-12 LGBs: Paveway I with fixed wings and Paveway II with folding wings. Paveway II models have the following improvements: detector optics and housing made of injec- tion-molded plastic to reduce weight and cost; increased detector sensitiv- ity; reduced thermal battery delay after release; increased maximum canard deflection; laser coding; folding wings for carriage, and increased detector field of view. (Paveway II's instantaneous field of view is thirty percent greater than that of the Paveway I's field of view).
Background: Precision-guided munitions (PGM) can trace their origins back to World War Two. These early weapons, such as the QB-17G "Aphrodite" were essentially airframes packed with explosives and guided via radio direction signals to their target, where they would crash and explode. While guidance was extremely crude by today's standards, these weapons were more accurate than conventional dropped munitions, and did not expose aircrews to deadly enemy anti-aircraft fire. Unfortunately, such weapons were unwieldy, unsuitable for small targets, and were themselves subject to defensive fire. The first truly precision-guided munitions did not appear until the Vietnam War. Serving as a major supply conduit for North Vietnam, the mile long Paul Doumer Bridge over the Red River was the most important ground target of the war. Unfortunately, it was also one of the most heavily defended, its approaches ringed with anti-aircraft guns and surface to air missile emplacements. While American pilots were able to attack the bridge using conventional munitions, such missions were extremely hazardous and casualties were high. In 1967 the Rockwell International Corporation was tasked with producing a precision munition using electro-optical guidance technology. The end result was the GBU (Guided Bomb Unit) 8 or Homing Bomb System (HOBOS), a conventional Mk. 84 2,000 pound bomb with a TV like electro-optical guidance package in the nose to provide direction and a modified tail fin assembly in the rear to provide lift. To launch the GBU-8 the pilot aligned the TV camera sight in the bomb with the target and the weapons officer locked the bomb's seeker onto the target. Once aligned, the bomb could be released well away from the target area and it would guide itself into the target with a high degree of accuracy.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm
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GBU-24 Paveway III
Description: The GBU-24 Paveway III represents the next step beyond the GBU-10 series of Laser Guided Bomb. Reacting to increased air defense lethality, which force attack aircraft to penetrate the target area in a nap of the earth (NOE) profile, as well as provide a low level LGB option in the event of poor battlefield visibility or low ceiling, the GBU-24 was specifically designed for low altitude deliveries. Utilizing the same principles as the GBU-10, the GBU-24 uses either the Mk. 84 2,000 pound bomb or the BLU-109 penetration bomb with an improved seeker head optimized for low-level release. To increase standoff range and improve low level glide characteristics, the GBU-24 is equipped with significantly larger guidance fins. As with the Paveway I and II, targets may be designated by either the launching aircraft or another aircraft in the area, by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), or by personnel on the ground. In addition, since the GBU-24 orients itself on the reflected laser, rather than the target, it can be directed towards a different target after launch simply by pointing the designator at a different target.
The Guided Bomb Unit-24 (GBU-24) Low Level Laser Guided Bomb [LLLGB] consists of either a 2,000-pound MK-84 general purpose or BLU-109 penetrator bomb modified with a Paveway III low-level laser-guided bomb kit to add the proportional guidance in place of the bang-bang type used in the Paveway II. The LLLGB was developed in response to Sophisticated enemy air defenses, poor visibility, and to counter limitations in low ceilings. The weapon is designed for low altitude delivery and with a capability for improved standoff ranges to reduce exposure. The GBU-24 LLLGB/Paveway III has low-level, standoff capability of more than 10 nautical miles. Performance envelopes for all modes of delivery are improved because the larger wings of the GBU-24 increases maneuverability. Paveway III also has increased seeker sensitivity and a larger field of regard.
The operator illuminates a target with a laser designator and then the munition guides to a spot of laser energy reflected from the target. One way to deliver LGBs from low altitude is a loft attack. In this maneuver, the aircraft pulls up sharply at a predetermined point some miles from the target and the LGB is lofted upward and toward the target. However, if the LGB guidance system detects reflected laser energy from the target designator too soon after release, it tends to pull the LGW down below its required trajectory and the bomb will impact well short of the target.
This bomb is not nearly as delivery parameter sensitive as is the Paveway II LGB, nor is it affected by early laser designation. After a proper low altitude delivery, the LLLGB will maintain level flight while looking for reflected laser energy. If it does not detect reflected laser energy, it will maintain level flight to continue beyond the designated target, overflying friendly positions, to impact long, rather than short of the target.
Unlike the Paveway II LGB, the LLLGB can correct for relatively large deviations from planned release parameters in the primary delivery mode (low-altitude level delivery). It also has a larger delivery envelope for the dive, glide and loft modes than does the earlier LGB. The wide field of view and midcourse guidance modes programmed in the LLLGB allow for a "Point Shoot" delivery capability. This capability allows the pilot to attack the target by pointing the aircraft at the target and releasing the weapon after obtaining appropriate sight indications. The primary advantage of this capability is that accurate dive/tracking is not required to solve wind drift problems.
The Multi-Segment Hard Target Penetrator (MSHTP) concept has been designed to use the penetration capability of a BLU-113 or BLU-109 linked to the void counting hard target smart fuse. This weapon detonates a copper cutter charge upon entering the target and cuts the rear portion of the bomb off, which then detonates. The rest of the weapon continues down to the next level.
BLU-116 Advanced Unitary Penetrator [AUP] GBU-24 C/B (USAF) / GBU-24 D/B (Navy)
Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate engineers have completed development of a new warhead known as the Advanced Unitary Penetrator, or AUP. The warhead was successfully transitioned to the Precision Strike System Program Office at Eglin AFB, Fla. for Engineering Manufacturing Development (EMD) and production. The AUP was developed in less than three years at a cost of less than $8M. AFRL's emphasis on operational suitability as part of AUP weapon design will allow the EMD program to be completed in less than half the time of a normal EMD program.
The Advanced Unitary Penetrator [AUP] hard target penetrator features an elongated narrow diameter case made of a tough nickel-cobalt steel alloy called Air Force 1410. With the official designation of BLU-116, and designated the GBU-24 C/B (USAF) and GBU-24 D/B (Navy), is designed to provide at least twice the penetration capability of existing BLU-109 2000-pound bombs. The AUP is being demonstrated with Boeing as prime and Lockheed-Martin as subcontractor. Penetration capability is directly proportional to the warhead's sectional density--its weight divided by its cross section. The AUP maximizes sectional density by reducing the explosive payload and using heavy metals in the warhead case. Lower explosive payload will diminish dispersion of NBC agents to help reduce collateral effects. The AUP will retain the carriage and flight characteristics of the BLU-109, and it will be compatible with the GBU-24, GBU-27, and GBU-15/AGM-130 series of precision-guided bombs. Thus, the AUP will be capable of delivery from a wider inventory of aircraft, including stealth platforms, than the BLU-113/GBU-28. A proposal to replace the current CALCM warhead with an AUP warhead provides 2.5 times BLU-109 penetration capability.
The AUP development effort was conducted in support of the Counterproliferation Initiative (CPI) Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD). The program objective was to develop and demonstrate a weapon that could be rapidly transitioned for Air Force and Navy use against hardened targets associated with the production, storage, and weaponization of chemical or biological agents. Normally, the introduction of a new weapon is a very long, expensive, and tedious process - as long as ten years or more. The associated cost may be tens of millions of dollars.
The 1700-pound AUP warhead is tucked inside a lightweight aerodynamic shroud. This "outer skin" gives the AUP the exact physical and aerodynamic characteristics of the BLU-109. The shroud strips away from the internal penetrator when the weapon impacts the target. Compared to the BLU-109, the AUP has thicker case walls, a tougher case material, an improved nose shape, and a smaller explosive charge. The cross-sectional area of the AUP penetrator, however, is only half as great as the cross-sectional area of the BLU-109. A smaller explosive charge reduces collateral damage potential by reducing blast overpressure that could expel chemical or biological agents from the target. A long testing series demonstrated AUP's compatibility with the Munitions Directorate-developed Hard Target Smart Fuze (HTSF). The HTSF allows the AUP to be detonated at the optimal point within a target to inflict maximum damage. That ability compensates for the reduction in explosive charge.
Because it is a "twin" to the BLU-109, the AUP can utilize a proven system of hardbacks, guidance units, and tail fin kits. The costs associated with developing new kits is eliminated. The operational users - pilots, weapon handlers and load crews - will gain the improved war fighting capabilities of the AUP without the costs associated with retraining support personnel or the acquisition of new delivery systems and support equipment. Battle commanders will also have increased ability to neutralize deeply buried hardened targets.
GBU-24E/B
GBU-24E/B, an Enhanced Paveway Laser Guided Bomb, is a precision-guided hardened target penetrator used to destroy hardened aircraft hangers and underground bunkers. It integrates a Global Positioning System and a ring laser gyro inertial measuring unit (IMU) to the already fielded GBU-24B/B "Paveway III" with the existing laser guidance. A new guidance and control unit has been modified to incorporate GPS electronics, GPS antenna, IMU and software for precision GPS/INS guidance. Testing of this system began in late 1999.
Background: Precision-guided munitions (PGM) can trace their origins back to World War Two. These early weapons, such as the QB-17G "Aphrodite" were essentially airframes packed with explosives and guided via radio direction signals to their target, where they would crash and explode. While guidance was extremely crude by today's standards, these weapons were more accurate than conventional dropped munitions, and did not expose aircrews to deadly enemy anti-aircraft fire. Unfortunately, such weapons were unwieldy, unsuitable for small targets, and were themselves subject to defensive fire. The first truly precision-guided munitions did not appear until the Vietnam War. Serving as a major supply conduit for North Vietnam, the mile long Paul Doumer Bridge over the Red River was the most important ground target of the war. Unfortunately, it was also one of the most heavily defended, its approaches ringed with anti-aircraft guns and surface to air missile emplacements. While American pilots were able to attack the bridge using conventional munitions, such missions were extremely hazardous and casualties were high. In 1967 the Rockwell International Corporation was tasked with producing a precision munition using electro-optical guidance technology. The end result was the GBU (Guided Bomb Unit) 8 or Homing Bomb System (HOBOS), a conventional Mk. 84 2,000 pound bomb with a TV like electro-optical guidance package in the nose to provide direction and a modified tail fin assembly in the rear to provide lift. To launch the GBU-8 the pilot aligned the TV camera sight in the bomb with the target and the weapons officer locked the bomb's seeker onto the target. Once aligned, the bomb could be released well away from the target area and it would guide itself into the target with a high degree of accuracy.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm
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GBU-10 Paveway I/II
Function: Bomb with guidance support system.
Description: The Guided Bomb Unit-10 (GBU-10) utilizes the 2,000-pound general purpose or penetrating warhead. The operator illuminates a target with a laser designator and then the munition guides to a spot of laser energy reflected from the target. The GBU-10 consists of an MK-84 2,000 pound bomb with an added laser guidance package. The GBU-1OI mates a BLU-109B weapon with a Paveway II laser guidance kit. This improved 2,000-pound bomb is used against targets requiring deeper penetration.
The GBU-10 Paveway represents the next phase in precision-guided munition (PGM) technology. Utilizing the same principles as the GBU-8, the GBU-10 uses the same Mk. 84 2,000 pound bomb but with a seeker head which homes in on laser energy reflected off of a "designated" target. Targets may be designated by either the launching aircraft or another aircraft in the area, by an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), or by personnel on the ground. In addition, since the GBU-10 orients itself on the reflected laser, rather than the target, it can be directed towards a different target after launch simply by pointing the designator at a different target. There are currently two versions of the GBU-10 in the American inventory; the original Paveway I, which has fixed guidance fins on the bomb's tail section, and the improved Paveway II, which has an improved seeker head and low profile "pop out" retractable guidance fins.
The munition was used during Operation Desert Storm, and, according to the Air Force, hit 78 percent of its targets. In Operation Desert Storm, GBU-10/10Is were used extensively by F-15Es and F-111Fs mainly against bridges, Scuds, C3I (command, control, communications, intelligence) nodes, and bunkers. Of the 2,637 expended,'44 over one- third were dropped by F-111Fs, and the rest by F-117s, F-15Es, and Navy and Marine Corps aircraft.
There are two generations of GBU-10 LGBs: Paveway I with fixed wings and Paveway II with folding wings. Paveway II models have the following improvements: detector optics and housing made of injec- tion-molded plastic to reduce weight and cost; increased detector sensitiv- ity; reduced thermal battery delay after release; increased maximum canard deflection; laser coding; folding wings for carriage, and increased detector field of view. (Paveway II's instantaneous field of view is thirty percent greater than that of the Paveway I's field of view).
Background: Precision-guided munitions (PGM) can trace their origins back to World War Two. These early weapons, such as the QB-17G "Aphrodite" were essentially airframes packed with explosives and guided via radio direction signals to their target, where they would crash and explode. While guidance was extremely crude by today's standards, these weapons were more accurate than conventional dropped munitions, and did not expose aircrews to deadly enemy anti-aircraft fire. Unfortunately, such weapons were unwieldy, unsuitable for small targets, and were themselves subject to defensive fire. The first truly precision-guided munitions did not appear until the Vietnam War. Serving as a major supply conduit for North Vietnam, the mile long Paul Doumer Bridge over the Red River was the most important ground target of the war. Unfortunately, it was also one of the most heavily defended, its approaches ringed with anti-aircraft guns and surface to air missile emplacements. While American pilots were able to attack the bridge using conventional munitions, such missions were extremely hazardous and casualties were high. In 1967 the Rockwell International Corporation was tasked with producing a precision munition using electro-optical guidance technology. The end result was the GBU (Guided Bomb Unit) 8 or Homing Bomb System (HOBOS), a conventional Mk. 84 2,000 pound bomb with a TV like electro-optical guidance package in the nose to provide direction and a modified tail fin assembly in the rear to provide lift. To launch the GBU-8 the pilot aligned the TV camera sight in the bomb with the target and the weapons officer locked the bomb's seeker onto the target. Once aligned, the bomb could be released well away from the target area and it would guide itself into the target with a high degree of accuracy.
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David
Thu January 16, 2003 11:24pm
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GBU-28 "Bunkerbuster
Function: Bomb with guidance control system.
Description: The Guided Bomb Unit-28 (GBU-28) is a special weapon developed for penetrating hardened Iraqi command centers located deep underground. The GBU-28 is a 5,000-pound laser-guided conventional munition that uses a 4,400-pound penetrating warhead. The bombs are modified Army artillery tubes, weigh 4,637 pounds, and contain 630 pounds of high explosives. They are fitted with GBU-27 LGB kits, 14.5 inches in diameter and almost 19 feet long. The operator illuminates a target with a laser designator and then the munition guides to a spot of laser energy reflected from the target.
The GBU-28 "Bunker Buster" was developed specifically to destroy Iraqi underground hardened command bunkers during the Gulf War. Scratch built from a section of surplus 8" howitzer barrel filled with 600 pounds of explosives, the 5,000 pound GBU-28 is capable of penetrating more than 20 feet of reinforced concrete and deeper than 100 feet underground. Equipped with essentially the same guidance hardware as the GBU-10 Paveway II, the GBU-28 is capable of hitting discrete, hardened targets deep underground. The GBU-28 was successfully used twice during the Gulf War, with each of the weapons being released by FB-111F Aardvarks for use against buried command bunkers.
Background: Precision-guided munitions (PGM) can trace their origins back to World War Two. These early weapons, such as the QB-17G "Aphrodite" were essentially airframes packed with explosives and guided via radio direction signals to their target, where they would crash and explode. While guidance was extremely crude by today's standards, these weapons were more accurate than conventional dropped munitions, and did not expose aircrews to deadly enemy anti-aircraft fire. Unfortunately, such weapons were unwieldy, unsuitable for small targets, and were themselves subject to defensive fire. The first truly precision-guided munitions did not appear until the Vietnam War. Serving as a major supply conduit for North Vietnam, the mile long Paul Doumer Bridge over the Red River was the most important ground target of the war. Unfortunately, it was also one of the most heavily defended, its approaches ringed with anti-aircraft guns and surface to air missile emplacements. While American pilots were able to attack the bridge using conventional munitions, such missions were extremely hazardous and casualties were high. In 1967 the Rockwell International Corporation was tasked with producing a precision munition using electro-optical guidance technology. The end result was the GBU (Guided Bomb Unit) 8 or Homing Bomb System (HOBOS), a conventional Mk. 84 2,000 pound bomb with a TV like electro-optical guidance package in the nose to provide direction and a modified tail fin assembly in the rear to provide lift. To launch the GBU-8 the pilot aligned the TV camera sight in the bomb with the target and the weapons officer locked the bomb's seeker onto the target. Once aligned, the bomb could be released well away from the target area and it would guide itself into the target with a high degree of accuracy.
History: The GBU 28 "Bunker Buster" was put together in record time to support targeting of the Iraqi hardened command bunker by adapting existing materiel. The GBU-28 was not even in the early stages of research when Kuwait was invaded. The USAF asked industry for ideas in the week after combat operations started. The bomb was fabricated starting on 1 February, using surplus 8-inch artillery tubes. The official go-ahead for the project was issued on 14 February, and explosives for the initial units were hand-loaded by laboratory personnel into a bomb body that was partially buried upright in the ground outside the laboratory in New York. The first two units were delivered to the USAF on 16 and 17 February, and the first flight to test the guidance software and fin configuration was conducted on 20 February. These tests were successful and the program proceeded, with a contract let on 22 February. A sled test on 26 February proved that the bomb could penetrate over 20 feet of concrete, while an earlier flight test had demonstrated the bomb's ability to penetrate more than 100 feet of earth. The first two operational bombs were delivered to the theater on 27 February.
The Air Force produced a limited quantity of the GBU-28 during Operation Desert Storm to attack multi-layered, hardened underground targets. Only two of these weapons were dropped in Desert Storm, both by F-111Fs. One weapon hit its precise aimpoint, and the onboard aircraft video recorder displayed an outpouring of smoke from an entrance way approximately 6 seconds after impact. After Operation Desert Storm, the Air Force incorporated some modifications, and further tested the munition. The Fy1997 budget request contained $18.4 million to procure 161 GBU-28 hard target penetrator bombs.
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Nailapron
Mon February 24, 2003 6:03pm
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Ann Margret
One of my father's happier memories of Vietnam, seeing Ann Margret preform off the back of a truck in Vietnam 1965-66.
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David
Tue April 15, 2003 10:01am
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FORWARD FIELD HOSPITAL
Marine Wounded during Operation Swift, An Hoa, South Vietnam, August 1967
Artist : Colonel P.Michael Gish, USMCR (Ret.) - 1967
oil 33"x46"
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David
Fri April 25, 2003 1:00pm
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CGC POINT ORIENT, Danang,
CGC POINT ORIENT, Danang, South Vietnam, 1969
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David
Fri April 25, 2003 1:00pm
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Squadron Two, Vietnam, 19
Squadron Two, Vietnam, 1972
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