Modern War Institute Bunker Busters and B-2s
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Jul 2, 2025 Join retired Air Force Colonel Melvin Deaile, a seasoned B-2 bomber pilot and instructor at Air Force University, as he explores the intricacies of strategic bombing. He shares insights on the GBU-57, a bunker-busting munition used in recent military operations, and discusses the evolution of precision-guided munitions. Deaile also delves into the complexities of B-2 operations, highlighting the teamwork and challenges faced during long missions. The podcast offers a compelling look at modern warfare's technical and strategic dimensions.
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Hard Target Defeat Explained
- Hard target defeat involves penetrating and destroying deeply buried or reinforced targets using specialized munitions.
- The GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) is a 30,000-pound bomb with 5,000 pounds of explosives designed for this purpose.
JDAM Blast Effect Anecdote
- John Ambo described seeing a 4-story building partially destroyed by a JDAM, with intact outer rooms forming a hollow shell.
- This illustrated how blast patterns can leave structurally sound sections usable even after a central strike.
Timing Is Key for Hard Targets
- Successful hard target defeat requires precise intelligence and a delayed fuse to detonate the bomb inside voids beyond reinforced layers.
- Timing the weapon's detonation after penetration is critical to destroying the intended underground or hardened target.