For almost 20 days, the eyes of the planet have been following the bloody war between Israel and Hamas, which has left more than 6 people dead so far. The day after the fundamentalist group's surprise attack, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched Operation Iron Swords in response to Hamas' unprecedented actions.
Since then, the Air Force (IAF) has carried out numerous attack sorties against jihadist targets in the Gaza Strip, mainly employing its fighter planes and attack helicopters. Aircraft take off for action day and night, dropping hundreds of bombs and missiles daily.
The IAF itself has released images of the aircraft being loaded for combat actions, where it is possible to identify a series of weapons. Some advanced, others not so much.
Dumb bombs
Although it is using several smart bombs (which we will talk about in the next topic), the IAF has also loaded its planes with dumb bombs (without any guidance) on its F-16 and F-15 fighters. The modern fighters were seen carrying artifacts from the Mk.80 series – which includes bombs weighing 230, 450 and 910 kilograms – and an even older model, the M117. You can find out more about the M117 in this other article from the Aeroflap Portal.
While the M117 is already a lesser seen explosive (especially due to its age), the same does not apply to the popular Mk.80. Designed by engineer Ed Heinemann, the same person responsible for deg the legendary A-4 Skyhawk jet, the Mk.80 has a slimmer, more aerodynamic body and replaced models widely used in the Second World War and the Korean War.
The Mk.81, 82, 83 and 84 were widely adopted by numerous countries, including Brazil. Around here, they are called General Purpose Aerial Bombs (BAFG) by the Brazilian Air Force.
Because they do not have any type of guidance, the M117 and Mk.80 (as well as other models) were called dumb bombs, a kind of “popular nickname” to differentiate them from precision bombs. Still, systems such as CCIP/CCRP (Continually Computed Impact/Release Point) provide good aim for the precise launch of conventional bombs.
היום העשירי ללחימה: ממשיכים בתקיפה עצימה של בתי פעילי חמאס, חיסול ב כירים, תשתיות, מתקנים צבאיים ומפקדות צבאיות.
אנחנו לא נשתוק נגד טרור החמאס.ADVERTISING צפו בפעילות מערך ה"סופה" (F16I) מהיממה האחרונה.
גם עכשיו ובכל שעה, אנחנו ממשיכים להגן על הבית. pic.twitter.com/v6algFYD2R— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) October 16, 2023
Guided bombs
As explained above, most of Israel's planes are loaded with smart bombs, although the use of unguided weapons has also been observed. The IAF has used three main models: GBU-39 SDB (Small Diameter Bomb), JDAM series and SPICE series bombs.
Produced by Boeing, the SDB are the smallest of the types mentioned. Costing around US$40 per unit, its size allows a plane to carry a greater number of bombs, all precision. The model used by Israel, GBU-39 SDB I, has a total weight of 130 kilograms, including the 16 kilogram warhead. They are guided by GPS and have folding wings, which open after launch to increase range.
Nice photo of F-15I "235" (assigned to 69 Squadron "The Hammers"), published on the IAF's Facebook page a short while ago. Note the 250-pound class GBU-39/B Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs) affixed to a BRU-61/A four-place smart carriage system. pic.twitter.com/0qyl9dee9E
—Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) October 24, 2023
The recent crisis has caused Israel to request the United States to send more weapons. Boeing accelerated the delivery of 1000 of these bombs to meet the country's needs.
Also made by Boeing, the JDAM (t Direct Attack Munition) are dumb bombs adapted with a kit that transforms them into intelligent weapons, guided by GPS. Costing up to US$36, the JDAM kit can be adapted to all bombs in the Mk.80 series, the largest of which is the Mk.84, which when equipped with the JDAM becomes the GBU-31. This is the model used by the IAF to tear down buildings in Gaza.
Israeli pilots also use penetration versions of the GBU-31 to destroy Hamas tunnels. In this case, the JDAM kit is adapted to the BLU-109, a bomb that has a reinforced structure to penetrate the ground or reinforced structures such as bunkers.
To employ GPS-guided bombs, pilots can enter the target's coordinates into the aircraft itself in flight or on the ground, before proceeding with the mission.
With the data, the plane's computers tell pilots the procedure for launching the artifacts, from the flight path to the exact moment of launch.
While SDB and JDAM come from the United States, the SPICE (Smart, Precise Impact, Cost-Effective) series weapons are produced locally by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. Like American bombs, SPICE are also kits applied to dumb bombs Mk.81, 83 and 84. Thus, they are called SPICE 250, 1000 and 2000, according to the weight in pounds of the bombs to which they are adapted.
In addition to GPS guidance, they can also be guided by an electro-optical system, allowing the crew to see the target and not rely solely on satellite guidance. According to Rafael, SPICE bombs can be loaded with memories for up to 100 different targets, which can be selected by pilots on board the planes.
SPICE were sold to six countries, including Brazil. The FAB purchased the bombs to equip its new F-39E Gripen. Israel still has laser-guided Paveway bombs, but these have not yet been seen in use against Hamas in Gaza.
2,000-pound class SPICE 2000 precision-guided glide bomb in action. https://t.co/53OlYoP7GX pic.twitter.com/7xC97OjyP6
—Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) October 11, 2023
Missiles
While the planes carry the bombs, AH-64 Apache helicopters have carried out attacks with Rafael Spike and AGM-114 Hellfire missiles. The Hellfire is already an “old acquaintance”, used on several platforms in addition to the Apache, such as drones for example. Can be used against armored vehicles or structures, depending on the variant.
The Spike is most similar to the FGM-148 Javelin, another North American missile. It was developed in the 1980s by Rafael and has been in operation since then, and can be used both on the ground by infantry and in vehicles and helicopters, in this case the Apache. In addition to the missiles, the AH-64 also has a 230mm M30 cannon, effective against soldiers and light vehicles.
Newly published photos by the IAF showing an AH-64A attack helicopter assigned to 190 Squadron armed with AGM-114K3 Hellfire II missiles. pic.twitter.com/VAuAB8kyNw
—Guy Plopsky (@GuyPlopsky) October 10, 2023
Israeli fighter planes are also seen carrying missiles. These, however, are not air-to-ground weapons like those used on the Apache.
According to images released by the IAF and IDF, the F-15 and F-16 also carry some short and medium-range air-to-air missiles, such as the heat-seeking AIM-9 Sidewinder and Python IV/V, as well as the AIM -7 Sprrow and AIM-120 AMRAAM, radar guided. Learn more about these missiles in this special article.
