The US Air Force shows the combat version of the world's most powerful non-nuclear GBU-57/B MOP bomb for the B-21 Raider, B-2 Spirit and B-52H Stratofortress nuclear bombers

The US Air Force has released some new images of the GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bomb. It can penetrate tens of metres into the ground.

Here's What We Know

The GBU-57/B MOP is the most powerful non-nuclear bunker bomb in the world. It is used to destroy bunkers that are several tens of metres underground. The Air Force is usually very careful about displaying these unique bombs, which makes the publication of the high-quality pictures even more intriguing.

The photos were posted on the Facebook page of Whiteman Air Force Base, home of the 509th Squadron's B-2 Spirit nuclear stealth bombers. The Spirit is currently the only aircraft that can use GBU-57/B MOP in operational mode, although the B-52 Stratofortress has also dropped bombs as part of trials.

In the future, the GBU-57/B MOP will be carried by the next-generation B-21 Raider nuclear bomber. It is worth noting that it will be able to carry a single bomb, while the Spirit is equipped with two warheads at once.

The U.S. Air Force showed the combat version of the GBU-57/B MOP in a photo. This is evidenced by the diamond-shaped checkered stripe. The training versions of the bombs have a blue stripe.

Our hero is equipped with a warhead weighing 2,432kg, of which 2,081kg is AFX-757 explosive. It maximises blast energy and was created as part of the Advanced Penetrator Explosive Technology project. The GBU-57/B MOP has a total mass of 12,308kg.

Development of the bunker bomb began some 20 years ago. At that time it was stated that it would be able to penetrate to a depth of 60 metres. Five years ago, the bomb was upgraded, but the updated characteristics are not specified.

Source: The War Zone, Whiteman Air Force Base