US Advances GBU-76/B Bunker-Buster to Replace GBU-57
The U.S. Air Force is advancing the GBU-76/B Next Generation Penetrator, a bunker-buster with a 22,000-pound warhead designed to replace the GBU-57.
The U. S. Armed Forces have issued a request for information from potential manufacturers of components for the new Next Generation Penetrator bunker-busting bomb, designated GBU-76/B. The weapon is intended to replace the massive GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator.
This step shows that the United States is moving from a research phase that has continued since 2010 toward practical implementation of the project. The Air Force is now assessing potential contractors for the development, testing and future production of the GBU-76/B. Companies interested in the program must submit information about themselves by June 16.
Little is known about the future bomb so far, but it is already clear that it will have a 22,000-pound warhead. For comparison, the GBU-57 has a total weight of 27,125 pounds, including 5,342 pounds of explosives. In addition to its enormous destructive power, the new bomb is expected to have an accuracy of up to 7.2 feet in 90% of cases. That is far better than standard JDAM kits, which have an accuracy of about 16 feet under normal conditions and up to 98 feet when GPS is unavailable.
However, for the GBU-76/B to destroy a bunker, it must still be delivered to the target and dropped from high altitude. For this purpose, the United States is developing the B-21 Raider stealth strategic bomber, which is expected to replace the B-2 Spirit.
While the GBU-76/B remains under development, the U. S. Air Force continues to purchase older GBU-57 bombs, as their stockpile was almost depleted after strikes on Iran.