GBU-57 (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) – Overview
The GBU-57A/B, also known as the Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP), is a bunker-buster bomb developed by the United States for the purpose of destroying deeply buried and fortified targets such as nuclear facilities, military bunkers, and command centers.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Designation | GBU-57A/B (Massive Ordnance Penetrator) |
| Weight | Approx. 30,000 lbs (13,600 kg) |
| Length | ~ 20.5 feet (6.2 meters) |
| Warhead | ~ 5,300 lbs (2,400 kg) of explosives |
| Penetration Depth | Can penetrate up to 200+ feet of reinforced concrete or 60 meters of earth before detonation |
| Guidance System | GPS-aided inertial navigation system |
| Platform | Dropped from B-2 Spirit stealth bombers (primary carrier) |
Purpose & Capabilities
- Designed to neutralize high-value underground facilities that are beyond the reach of conventional munitions.
- Replaces older munitions like the BLU-109 and GBU-28 in situations where much greater penetration is needed.
- It is not a nuclear weapon, but its sheer size and explosive power make it the most powerful conventional bomb in the U.S. arsenal for hardened targets.
Strategic Use
- Developed by Northrop Grumman and Boeing under contracts with the U.S. Air Force.
- Specifically intended to counter threats like Iranian nuclear facilities (e.g., Fordow) or North Korean underground bunkers.
- First tested in 2007, and fully operational since around 2012.
Comparison with MOAB
Often confused with the GBU-43/B MOAB (“Mother of All Bombs”), which is designed for surface blast damage:
- MOP (GBU-57): Focuses on penetration of hardened underground structures.
- MOAB: Designed for area blast effects above ground.
Summary
The GBU-57 is a precision-guided, high-penetration weapon that reflects the U.S. military’s focus on countering subterranean threats using massive conventional firepower. Its capability to reach deeply buried targets makes it a cornerstone in advanced strategic strike planning.