GBU-39 Interactive Model
Certain sections of munitions may consistently survive impact, these are referred to as diagnostic remnants and can be used to identify the munition involved in a strike.
Click on a button to view the component part, a description and corresponding images from the OSMP archive.
What are the key components?
The nose cone, found at the front of the munition, is made from hardened steel – enabling the munition to penetrate more than three feet of reinforced concrete. The heavy metal construction of this component means it typically survives the bomb functioning, despite its proximity to the explosives.
The warhead is found behind the nose cone at the front of the munition. It is a penetrating blast fragmentation munition weighing 206 lbs with 35-37 lbs of explosive content and rarely survives intact unless the munition fails to function and explode on impact.
An extendable wing assembly is attached above the warhead section of the munition, creating a distinctive V-shape when deployed. This wing configuration permits longer, flatter ‘gliding’ attack angles during strikes. These wings are often recovered after the explosion, because they can be sheared off as the bomb penetrates a structure before detonating – resulting in them being found outside the building or floor where the munition impacted.
The tail actuation system is located at the rear of the munition – the farthest point from the explosive. In flight, the munition’s trajectory is adjusted by GPS and inertial guidance commands, which control the four hinged tail-fins. The tail actuation system, including the thermal battery, is often found partly or largely intact following the munition’s functioning.
