FighterSweep fans, check out this pretty cool JDAM compilation of strikes in Afghanistan.
The Joint Direct Attack Munition has become the weapon of choice for US forces. It is a precision guided weapon, meaning it uses a Global Positioning System (GPS)-aided Inertial Navigation System (INS).
The Mediterranean Sea (Mar. 21, 2003) — 2,000-lb. Joint Directional Attack Munitions (JDAMs) are loaded onto one of four aircraft elevators for transport to the ship’s flight deck aboard USS Harry S. Truman (CVN 75). U.S. Navy photo by Photographer’s Mate 3rd Class Danny Ewing Jr
Precision guided munitions are able to reduce collateral damage, meaning fewer unintended consequences for those near the target area. This is because when GPS data is available, the JDAM system will have an error of less than 13 meters (about 40 feet). That’s a pretty precise CEP.
A JDAM is really just a guidance kit on a standard bomb body. Aircrew can enter coordinates for the target prior to releasing the weapon or they can take data from a target of opportunity and load that into the system.
It is likely that many of the strikes from the Harry S Truman used JDAM. The Truman is nearing completion of its deployment and had over 2000 strikes against ISIS.
Watch this video to get an idea of what it is like to be on the ground when one of these bombs is dropped. A special treat is seeing it through Night Vision Goggles around the 2:00 mark.
Also, please note there is some strong language used in the video. However, there has to be some level of excitement when you see a strike in your favor—so who can blame them!
Video credit Gunnery7 channel on YouTube. Top Photo credit YouTube.