GBU-38 JDAM Bombs

Brengun, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM) is a guidance kit that converts unguided bombs, or "dumb bombs", into all-weather precision-guided munitions. JDAM-equipped bombs are guided by an integrated inertial guidance system coupled to a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver, giving them a published range of up to 15 nautical miles (28 km). JDAM-equipped bombs range from 500 to 2,000 pounds (230 to 910 kg).

The JDAM's guidance system was jointly developed by the United States Air Force and United States Navy, hence the "joint" in JDAM.

When installed on a bomb, the JDAM kit is given a GBU (Guided Bomb Unit) identifier, superseding the Mark 80 or BLU (Bomb, Live Unit) nomenclature of the bomb to which it is attached.

The JDAM is not a stand-alone weapon; rather it is a "bolt-on" guidance package that converts unguided gravity bombs into precision-guided munitions (PGMs). The key components of the system consist of a tail section with aerodynamic control surfaces, a (body) strake kit, and a combined inertial guidance system and GPS guidance control unit.

The JDAM was meant to improve upon laser-guided bomb and imaging infrared technology, which can be hindered by bad ground and weather conditions. Laser seekers are now being fitted to some JDAMs.

From 1998 to November 2016, Boeing completed more than 300,000 JDAM guidance kits. In 2017 it built more than 130 kits per day. As of February 2020, 430,000 kits had been produced

Brengun has released a set of four 1/48 scale GBU-38 JDAM 500lb Bombs to join their growing stores collection. They are conventionally cast in grey resin.

These were designed for the TF-15E, F-111F and F-4 aircraft, but the U.S. Air Force is currently only deploying it from the F-15E Strike Eagle.

The bomb bodies are broken up into two parts, with different styles of heads plus fins being separate parts too.

The decals are a nice touch. These provide stencil and placard markings.

Recommended to any modeller who wants to add ordnance to their F-111, F-4 or F-15E kits.

* Description courtesy of Wikipedia

Thanks to Brengun for the review sample.

Review Text and Images Copyright © 2023 Brett Green
Page Created 23 March, 2023
Last updated 23 March, 2023

Back to HyperScale Main Page

Back to Reviews Page