- Yes
- No
History
In the early 2000s, the U.S. Air Force identified a need for a next-generation precision guided weapon capable of engaging both stationary and moving targets in all weather conditions. Existing weapons such as the GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb (SDB I) provided high accuracy against fixed targets but lacked the ability to reliably engage moving targets without continuous laser designation.
In 2006, the U.S. Air Force initiated the Small Diameter Bomb II (SDB II) program. The goal was to develop a compact, long-range, Fnf air-to-ground weapon with an advanced multi-mode seeker. Raytheon was awarded the development contract, and the weapon was later designated GBU-53/B StormBreaker.
After a prolonged development and testing phase focused on seeker fusion, networking, and adverse weather performance, the GBU-53/B achieved Initial Operational Capability with the U.S. Air Force in 2020. As of 2024, StormBreaker is operational with the U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy and is planned to fully replace earlier laser-guided weapons for many strike roles.
Design
Airframe
The GBU-53/B StormBreaker is a compact, unpowered glide bomb designed to fit within internal weapon bays while maintaining extended stand-off range. The bomb features folding wings that deploy after release, significantly increasing lift and glide efficiency.
The airframe is optimized for low drag and reduced radar signature. Despite being significantly lighter than legacy 500 lb class bombs, StormBreaker achieves comparable operational effectiveness through precision guidance and optimized warhead design. As an unpowered glide weapon, it relies entirely on launch altitude and speed for range.
Warhead
StormBreaker is equipped with a multi-effects warhead designed to defeat a wide range of targets including armored vehicles, soft targets, and fortified structures.
The warhead combines a shaped charge for armor penetration with blast and fragmentation effects. This allows the GBU-53/B to engage main battle tanks, light armored vehicles, and high-value surface targets using a single munition. The design prioritizes lethality while minimizing collateral damage compared to larger conventional bombs.
Guidance
The GBU-53/B uses a tri-mode seeker combining imaging infrared, mmw radar, and GPS aided inertial navigation. These sensors are fused to allow autonomous target acquisition and tracking in all weather conditions, including rain, smoke, dust, and battlefield obscurants.
The weapon supports Fnf operation and is capable of engaging moving targets without external designation after release. Two-way datalink functionality allows limited in-flight target updates and retargeting prior to terminal phase.
Variants
GBU-53/B: Baseline production variant featuring tri-mode seeker and multi-effects warhead.
Platforms
F-15E
F-16C
F/A-18E
F-35A/B/C (In the future)
F-22A (In the future)
Specifications
Length: ~69 in (1.75 m)
Diameter: ~7 in (18 cm)
Wingspan (deployed): ~60 in (1.52 m)
Weight: ~204 lb (93 kg)
Warhead:
• Multi-effects penetrator and blast fragmentation warhead
• Optimized for armored and moving targets
Guidance:
• IIR
• MMW
• GPS/INS
Range:
• Over 40 nmi depending on launch conditions
Launch envelope:
• High subsonic to supersonic release
• Compatible with internal and external carriage
• All weather, day and night capability
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