How the bunker buster bomb works
B-2 stealth bomber
1
The GBU-57 bomb,
weighing 13,600kg (30,000lb),
is designed to destroy
underground targets
2
Once deployed from
high altitude, GPS
guidance system
locks onto target
3
The bomb relies on weight
and velocity to penetrate
hardened surfaces
4
Steel alloy
outer casing
is designed to
withstand
impact and
pressure
5
A ‘smart fuse’
times
detonation
based on
target depth
Up to 60 metres
(197ft) depth
varies depending
on ground
composition
Underground
target
B-2 stealth bomber
1
The GBU-57 bomb,
weighing 13,600kg
(30,000lb), is
designed to destroy
underground targets
2
Once deployed
from high altitude,
GPS guidance
system locks
onto target
3
The bomb relies on weight
and velocity to penetrate
hardened surfaces
4
Steel alloy outer casing
is designed to withstand
impact and pressure
5
Up to 60 metres
(197ft) depth
varies depending
on ground composition
A ‘smart fuse’ times
detonation based on
target depth
Underground
target
B-2 stealth bomber
1
The GBU-57 bomb,
weighing 13,600kg (30,000lb), is designed to destroy underground targets
2
Once deployed from high altitude, GPS guidance system locks onto target
3
The bomb relies on weight and velocity to penetrate hardened surfaces
4
Steel alloy outer casing
is designed to withstand impact and pressure
5
A ‘smart fuse’ times detonation based on
target depth
Up to 60 metres (197ft)
depth varies depending
on ground composition
Underground target
B-2 stealth bomber
1
The GBU-57 bomb, weighing 13,600kg (30,000lb),
is designed to destroy underground targets
2
Once deployed from high altitude, GPS guidance system locks onto target
3
The bomb relies on weight and velocity to penetrate hardened surfaces
4
Steel alloy outer casing
is designed to withstand impact and pressure
5
A ‘smart fuse’ times detonation based on
target depth
Up to 60 metres (197ft)
depth varies depending
on ground composition
Underground target
B-2 stealth bomber
1
The GBU-57 bomb,
weighing 13,600kg (30,000lb),
is designed to destroy
underground targets
2
Once deployed from
high altitude, GPS
guidance system
locks onto target
3
The bomb relies on weight
and velocity to penetrate
hardened surfaces
4
Steel alloy
outer casing
is designed to
withstand
impact and
pressure
5
A ‘smart fuse’
times
detonation
based on
target depth
Up to 60 metres
(197ft) depth
varies depending
on ground
composition
Underground
target
B-2 stealth bomber
1
The GBU-57 bomb,
weighing 13,600kg
(30,000lb), is
designed to destroy
underground targets
2
Once deployed
from high altitude,
GPS guidance
system locks
onto target
3
The bomb relies on weight
and velocity to penetrate
hardened surfaces
4
Steel alloy outer casing
is designed to withstand
impact and pressure
5
Up to 60 metres
(197ft) depth
varies depending
on ground composition
A ‘smart fuse’ times
detonation based on
target depth
Underground
target
B-2 stealth bomber
1
The GBU-57 bomb,
weighing 13,600kg (30,000lb), is designed to destroy underground targets
2
Once deployed from high altitude, GPS guidance system locks onto target
3
The bomb relies on weight and velocity to penetrate hardened surfaces
4
Steel alloy outer casing
is designed to withstand impact and pressure
5
A ‘smart fuse’ times detonation based on
target depth
Up to 60 metres (197ft)
depth varies depending
on ground composition
Underground target
B-2 stealth bomber
1
The GBU-57 bomb, weighing 13,600kg (30,000lb),
is designed to destroy underground targets
2
Once deployed from high altitude, GPS guidance system locks onto target
3
The bomb relies on weight and velocity to penetrate hardened surfaces
4
Steel alloy outer casing
is designed to withstand impact and pressure
5
A ‘smart fuse’ times detonation based on
target depth
Up to 60 metres (197ft)
depth varies depending
on ground composition
Underground target