U.S. Air Force shows spectacular video of GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition with Quicksink kit destroying a ship

The United States Air Force has published a spectacular video of a test of the smart bomb -31 Joint Direct Attack Munition with Quicksink kit.

Here's What We Know

The munition was specially modified as part of the Quicksink program for use as an anti-ship bomb. It was tested in the spring, and now the service has published a new video showing footage from cameras mounted right on the ship.

The GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition with Quicksink will allow the U.S. Air Force to destroy ships using aircraft. The homing head is combined with an infrared camera. Both elements are mounted at the front of the munition. In addition, the bomb has an inertial guidance system and GPS.

Combined, this gives the GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition the capability to hit ships regardless of weather conditions. After launching from the plane, the bomb plans to the target. The Quicksink kit is then activated to determine the exact coordinates, course and speed of the ship. The explosion occurs below the waterline. Even if the ship does not go down after the attack, it is highly probable that it will no longer be able to engage in combat.

The GBU-31 Joint Direct Attack Munition can be mounted on a number of fighters, including the B-52H Stratofortress, F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-22A Raptor and F-35A Lightning II. The MQ-9 Reaper drone can also launch the bomb.

Source: The Drive

Image: Military