GBU-43/B MOAB

The GBU-43/B MOAB, or Massive Ordnance Air Blast bomb, nicknamed the "Mother of All Bombs," is a large, powerful, accurately delivered high explosive weapon and the largest-ever satellite-guided, air-delivered weapon in history. Weighing 21,600 pounds, it was developed as an improved replacement for the unguided 15,000-pound BLU-82 Daisy Cutter used in Vietnam and Afghanistan. It is a guided bomb that delivers 18,700 pounds of H6 explosive with a BLU-120/B warhead, uses the KMU-593/B GPS/INS guidance system, and is stabilized by fixed wings and grid, or lattice, fins that provide excellent aerodynamic properties. The MOAB was developed, tested, and fielded by the Air Force Research Laboratory Munitions Directorate, Air Armament Center, and the 46th Operations Group, Detachment 1, working with other agencies and contractors. Within ten months, the program moved from development contract award to delivery into the operational theater. Its milestones were the first flight of an inert weapon on 26 February 2003, a guided flight test of an inert weapon on 07 March 2003, a live flight test on 11 March 2003, and delivery of the first MOAB into the operational theater on 11 April 2003. Its listed specifications include manufacture by Air Force Research Laboratory and Dynetics, Inc., a length of 30 feet, a width of 5 feet with fins retracted and 10 feet with fins extended, a diameter of 40.5 inches, a range of 3 nautical miles through a GPS system, launch from MC-130 Talon II or "Slick" C-130 aircraft, and an armament of 18,700 pounds of H6 composition, 1.35 times more powerful than TNT.

Florida · United States