Guided Bombs Potential For Anti Ship Warfare

[C130]

so I was reading up on Operation Resultant Fury http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/resultant-fury.htm
which conducted tests using the B-1 and B-52 hitting ships with laser guided bombs. now I don't this would be very practical since the very short range of a air dropped bomb and having to designate it, but a stealthy aircraft like the F-35 or a UCAV like the X-47B this seems plausible.

as you can see a 2,000lb bomb hitting a ship is devastating.

now take a 2,000lb MK-84 along with a JDAM kit and add either a IIR or MMW radar or both and you got a deadly combo.

question is though can a F-35 get within 25KM to use it, and would could the MK-84 get past the ships defenses.

 

[The Accountant]

Som

so I was reading up on Operation Resultant Fury http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/ops/resultant-fury.htm
which conducted tests using the B-1 and B-52 hitting ships with laser guided bombs. now I don't this would be very practical since the very short range of a air dropped bomb and having to designate it, but a stealthy aircraft like the F-35 or a UCAV like the X-47B this seems plausible.

as you can see a 2,000lb bomb hitting a ship is devastating.

now take a 2,000lb MK-84 along with a JDAM kit and add either a IIR or MMW radar or both and you got a deadly combo.

question is though can a F-35 get within 25KM to use it, and would could the MK-84 get past the ships defenses.

Some glide bombs dropped from perfect can even go to much longer range ... so it is possible to attach a new guiding kit like anti radiation misslies have and then drop those from 75 kms away ... in a hostile region i.e. like without significant air cover and dependant on ships own anti air missile a dozen of such will be very difficult to defend against ...

I think the only defence ship would have will be close weapon system but in case of dozens of bobmb it could be overloaded ...

 

[C130]

Som


Some glide bombs dropped from perfect can even go to much longer range ... so it is possible to attach a new guiding kit like anti radiation misslies have and then drop those from 75 kms away ... in a hostile region i.e. like without significant air cover and dependant on ships own anti air missile a dozen of such will be very difficult to defend against ...

I think the only defence ship would have will be close weapon system but in case of dozens of bobmb it could be overloaded ...

yes I know you can add a wing to these bombs to give them longer range, but what would the time on target be for a 75KM glide bomb?? 3 to 5 minutes? plenty of time for a missile or CIWS to kill it.

now I'm quite interested in the MDBA Spear 3

 

[The Accountant]

yes I know you can add a wing to these bombs to give them longer range, but what would the time on target be for a 75KM glide bomb?? 3 to 5 minutes? plenty of time for a missile or CIWS to kill it.

now I'm quite interested in the MDBA Spear 3

But these bombs are very small and very difficult to detect on radar ... furthermore, putting anti radiation sensor will also help in not disclosing the location ...

Furthermore its always a cost benefit system ... a smart glide bomb to be defended by misslie system will be very expensive so no one can afford to counter it ... the best way to defend against such an attack could be to destroy attacking aircraft which could be easy if you are in your own airspace as you will be supported by long range sams but if an as attacking force the defending airforce will have advantage ...

 

[Penguin]

US B-52 Bomber Drops Precision-Guided Bomb From Internal Weapons Bay for the First Time
A B-52 bomber successfully released a JDAM precision-guided bomb from its internal bomb bay for the first time in test.
July 25, 2016
The U.S. Air Force (USAF) successfully tested a new internal rotary bomb launcher installed in the internal weapons bay of a B-52H long-range heavy bomber, according to a July 19 USAF press release. The B-52 aircraft dropped a Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) precision-guided bomb from its internal weapons bay for the first time. JDAM is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs into precision-guided munition.
http://thediplomat.com/2016/07/us-b...from-internal-weapons-bay-for-the-first-time/

The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs", into all-weather "smart" munitions. JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, giving them a published range of up to 15 nautical miles (28 km).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Direct_Attack_Munition

This is not a ship attack weapon, unless the ships are stationary e.g. anchored or in port.

The USS SCHENECTADY, a 522-foot tank landing ship that was decommissioned in 1993, lists after being struck by seven 2,000lb Joint Defense Attack Munitions (JDAM) missiles during exercise Resultant Fury at the Pacific Missile Range Facility off the Island of Kauai, Hawaii, on Nov. 23, 2004. (USAF Photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard Freeland) (Released) Location: KAUAI, HAWAII (HI) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ex-Schenectady_(LST-1185)_sinking.jpg

ex-Schenectady (LST-1185) target lists after being struck by four 2,000 lb JDAMs on 23 Nov. 2004, the first time a B-52 dropped self-designated, laser guided weapons on a moving ship.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint...ia/File:Ex-Schenectady_(LST-1185)_sinking.jpg

Note the difference in the caption text with the same picture. The top caption doesn't say anything about a MOVING ship. The bottom caption speak of a MOVING ship, but only in combination with a 'self-designated, laserguided weapon'.

JDAM normally is INS/GPS guided, not laser guided. Of all variants, only the 500 lb (225 kg) nominal weight GBU-54/B LaserJDAM (MK-82) qualifies. But this is clearly not a 2000lb bomb.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Direct_Attack_Munition#Variants

LaserJDAM has been tested with and used in Iraq from F16.
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2006-07-11-Boeing-Scores-Direct-Hit-in-Laser-JDAM-Moving-Target-Test
https://defense-update.com/newscast/0808/270808laserguidedjdamdebutsiniraq.html

Still, The ex-Schenectady was sunk as a target on 23 November 2004 in operation Resultant Fury, the first time a B-52 Stratofortress dropped self-designated, laser guided weapons on a moving ship.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Schenectady_(LST-1185)
http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Documents/2010/November 2010/1110water.pdf

The two-day live-fire against maritime targets will feature on day one two B-52s carrying Affordable Moving Surface Target Engagement (AMSTE) modified GBU-31 (JDAM), and two F/A-18s will carry two AMSTE-modified JSOW. These B-52s and F/A-18s will engage multiple moving seaborne targets. That same day, a B-1 will engage moving targets utilizing its moving target tracking radar and general purpose weapons. During day 2 of the demonstration three B-52s will engage a landing ship tank (LST) with both AMSTE modified JDAM and self-guided GBU-10s.
http://www.ussschenectadylst1185.org/3-ResultantFury.htm
Note: The American Paveway-series laser-guided bomb is based on the Mk 84 general-purpose bomb, but with laser seeker and wings for guidance.

The highlight of the exercise was the sinking of towed targets by two B-52 Stratofortresses using updated J-series satellite-guided weapons for the first time.
“Although the B-2s didn’t engage the moving maritime targets, they contributed to the overall air operation,” said Lt. Col. Steve Basham, 393rd Bomb Squadron commander, after returning here.
http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDispl...its-aircrews-against-challenging-targets.aspx

DARPA's AMSTE program is developing a network-centric targeting approach that will couple stand-off airborne radar sensors and low-cost weapons in a real-time engagement network. Under the AMSTE approach, data from multiple airborne ground moving target indicators (GMTI) radar sensors are fused to provide weapons with real-time target position updates while in-flight. AMSTE will provide a new strike capability to engage moving surface threats from stand-off ranges, in all weathers, using affordable precision-guided munitions.
http://www.defense-aerospace.com/ar...etails-successful-amste-trials-(sept.-3).html
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/amste.htm

Moving in this case meant towed.

IMho, for a laser guided weapons, the B52 needs a targeting pod. But wait, it got that!
Aging B-52 bomber gets new Sniper pod upgrade
http://newatlas.com/b-52-sniper-pod/26802/

A stand off distance of 28km in many cases is good enough, if you consider you'ld put the B52 against numerous smaller ships (not equipped with anything more than short to medium range surface to air missiles e.g. from MANPADS to Sea Sparrow and early Shtil, or e.g. foreign navy supply ships. All at great range from B-52 bases.

 

[The Accountant]

US B-52 Bomber Drops Precision-Guided Bomb From Internal Weapons Bay for the First Time
A B-52 bomber successfully released a JDAM precision-guided bomb from its internal bomb bay for the first time in test.
July 25, 2016
The U.S. Air Force (USAF) successfully tested a new internal rotary bomb launcher installed in the internal weapons bay of a B-52H long-range heavy bomber, according to a July 19 USAF press release. The B-52 aircraft dropped a Joint Direct Attack Munitions (JDAM) precision-guided bomb from its internal weapons bay for the first time. JDAM is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs into precision-guided munition.
http://thediplomat.com/2016/07/us-b...from-internal-weapons-bay-for-the-first-time/

The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs", into all-weather "smart" munitions. JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, giving them a published range of up to 15 nautical miles (28 km).
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Direct_Attack_Munition

This is not a ship attack weapon, unless the ships are stationary e.g. anchored or in port.

The USS SCHENECTADY, a 522-foot tank landing ship that was decommissioned in 1993, lists after being struck by seven 2,000lb Joint Defense Attack Munitions (JDAM) missiles during exercise Resultant Fury at the Pacific Missile Range Facility off the Island of Kauai, Hawaii, on Nov. 23, 2004. (USAF Photo by Tech. Sgt. Richard Freeland) (Released) Location: KAUAI, HAWAII (HI) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA)
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Ex-Schenectady_(LST-1185)_sinking.jpg

ex-Schenectady (LST-1185) target lists after being struck by four 2,000 lb JDAMs on 23 Nov. 2004, the first time a B-52 dropped self-designated, laser guided weapons on a moving ship.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint...ia/File:Ex-Schenectady_(LST-1185)_sinking.jpg

Note the difference in the caption text with the same picture. The top caption doesn't say anything about a MOVING ship. The bottom caption speak of a MOVING ship, but only in combination with a 'self-designated, laserguided weapon'.

JDAM normally is INS/GPS guided, not laser guided. Of all variants, only the 500 lb (225 kg) nominal weight GBU-54/B LaserJDAM (MK-82) qualifies. But this is clearly not a 2000lb bomb.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Joint_Direct_Attack_Munition#Variants

LaserJDAM has been tested with and used in Iraq from F16.
http://boeing.mediaroom.com/2006-07-11-Boeing-Scores-Direct-Hit-in-Laser-JDAM-Moving-Target-Test
https://defense-update.com/newscast/0808/270808laserguidedjdamdebutsiniraq.html

Still, The ex-Schenectady was sunk as a target on 23 November 2004 in operation Resultant Fury, the first time a B-52 Stratofortress dropped self-designated, laser guided weapons on a moving ship.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Schenectady_(LST-1185)
http://www.airforcemag.com/MagazineArchive/Documents/2010/November 2010/1110water.pdf

The two-day live-fire against maritime targets will feature on day one two B-52s carrying Affordable Moving Surface Target Engagement (AMSTE) modified GBU-31 (JDAM), and two F/A-18s will carry two AMSTE-modified JSOW. These B-52s and F/A-18s will engage multiple moving seaborne targets. That same day, a B-1 will engage moving targets utilizing its moving target tracking radar and general purpose weapons. During day 2 of the demonstration three B-52s will engage a landing ship tank (LST) with both AMSTE modified JDAM and self-guided GBU-10s.
http://www.ussschenectadylst1185.org/3-ResultantFury.htm
Note: The American Paveway-series laser-guided bomb is based on the Mk 84 general-purpose bomb, but with laser seeker and wings for guidance.

The highlight of the exercise was the sinking of towed targets by two B-52 Stratofortresses using updated J-series satellite-guided weapons for the first time.
“Although the B-2s didn’t engage the moving maritime targets, they contributed to the overall air operation,” said Lt. Col. Steve Basham, 393rd Bomb Squadron commander, after returning here.
http://www.af.mil/News/ArticleDispl...its-aircrews-against-challenging-targets.aspx

DARPA's AMSTE program is developing a network-centric targeting approach that will couple stand-off airborne radar sensors and low-cost weapons in a real-time engagement network. Under the AMSTE approach, data from multiple airborne ground moving target indicators (GMTI) radar sensors are fused to provide weapons with real-time target position updates while in-flight. AMSTE will provide a new strike capability to engage moving surface threats from stand-off ranges, in all weathers, using affordable precision-guided munitions.
http://www.defense-aerospace.com/ar...etails-successful-amste-trials-(sept.-3).html
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/amste.htm

Moving in this case meant towed.

IMho, for a laser guided weapons, the B52 needs a targeting pod. But wait, it got that!
Aging B-52 bomber gets new Sniper pod upgrade
http://newatlas.com/b-52-sniper-pod/26802/

A stand off distance of 28km in many cases is good enough, if you consider you'ld put the B52 against numerous smaller ships (not equipped with anything more than short to medium range surface to air missiles e.g. from MANPADS to Sea Sparrow and early Shtil, or e.g. foreign navy supply ships. All at great range from B-52 bases.

That tech could be a game changer ... Ships wid medium range sam if bombared with multiple such stand off weapon with saturated attack will be difficult to defend ...

 

[Penguin]

B-52
The Conventional Enhancement Modification (CEM) program gave the B-52H a more comprehensive conventional weapons capability, adding the modified underwing weapon pylons used by conventional-armed B-52Gs, Harpoon and Have Nap, and the capability to carry new-generation weapons including the Joint Direct Attack Munition and Wind Corrected Munitions Dispenser guided bombs, the AGM-154 glide bomb and the AGM-158 JASSM missile. The CEM program also introduced new radios, integrated Global Positioning System into the aircraft's navigation system and replaced the under-nose FLIR with a more modern unit. Forty-seven B-52Hs were modified under the CEM program by 1996, with 19 more by the end of 1999.

Starting in 2016, Boeing is to upgrade the internal rotary launchers to the MIL-STD-1760 interface to enable the internal carriage of smart bombs, which can currently only be carried on the wings

Weapons upgrades include the 1760 Internal Weapons Bay Upgrade (IWBU), which gives a 66 percent increase in weapons payload using a digital interface and rotary launcher. IWBU is expected to cost roughly $313 million.[78] The 1760 IWBU will allow the B-52 to carry the AGM-158B JASSM-ER cruise missile and the ADM-160C MALD-J decoy missile. All 1760 IWBUs should be operational by October 2017. Two bombers will have the ability to carry 40 weapons in place of the 36 that three B-52s can carry. The 1760 IWBU allows precision-guided missiles or bombs to be deployed from inside the weapons bay; previous aircraft carried these munitions externally on wing hardpoints. This increases the number of guided weapons a B-52 can carry and reduces the need for guided bombs to be carried. The first phase will allow a B-52 to carry twenty-four 500-pound guided JDAM bombs or twenty 2,000-pound JDAMs, with later phases accommodating the JASSM and MALD family of missiles. In addition to carrying more smart bombs, moving them internally from the wings reduces drag and achieves a 15 percent reduction in fuel consumption+