The UMPB D-30SN is a Russian precision guided glide bomb, also known as the "Universal Interspecific Glide Munition".[5][3] It consists of a folding wing and aerodynamic surfaces on a cruciform tail, enabling it to glide towards its target from greater standoff ranges compared to conventional "dumb" bombs such as the FAB-250.[2] This allows the launching aircraft to engage targets from greater distances, minimizing risk to the aircraft, and reduces sortie times. It uses both GLONASS satellite navigation and internal navigation systems, improving accuracy over extended distances.[2] It is comparable to the US made GBU-39/B.[3]
| UMPB D-30SN | |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Russia |
| Service history | |
| In service | 2024-present |
| Used by | Russian Armed Forces |
| Wars | |
| Specifications | |
| Maximum firing range | 90[1] to 120km[2] |
| Blast yield | 100kg[3] |
Guidance system | satellite, inertial navigation |
Launch platform | Su-34,[2] S-70 Okhotnik[4] |
Design
editThe weapon consists of a cruciform tail, streamlined body and folding wings, which are stowed before launch, lying flush with the body. The weapon is attached inverted to the aircraft, rotating itself after launch. The weapon's overall appearance is more streamlined compared to the UMPK bomb kit also in service with the Russian Air Force.[6] It uses a GLONASS system and an inertial navigation unit for guidance, with a Kometa-M satellite receiver providing improved jam resistance.[3] The Kometa receiver significantly improves ECCM capability, reducing supression radius by 100-300 times.[7] According to Oleksii Hetman, the accuracy of the system is claimed to be 7–8 meters, however "in practice, it turns out to be around 15"[8]
The weapon may also be equipped with an additional engine to enhance its range.[5]
History
editThe weapon was first seen in public in March 2024. From March 27 to May 7th, an estimated 671 bombs were produced.[3]
Now established in Russian service, the bomb exerts additional pressure on already strained Ukrainian air defence systems,[3] with strikes occurring outside of the range of most Ukrainian anti-air systems.[9]
Operational use
editThe weapons were first used on March 26, 2024, to attack the Ukrainian city of Kharkiv.[10] The strike resulted in one fatality and 19 injuries.[8]
On 25 May, two UMPB D-30SN bombs were dropped on Kharkiv. One bomb stuck a supermarket, where 200 people were present, resulting in 60 deaths and 40 injuries.[11]
On 30 August, five UMPB D-30SN bombs were dropped on Kharkiv. Five people were killed, and 59 others were injured. Ten residential buildings and an educational institution were damaged. The attack was condemned by the United States ambassador to Ukraine, Bridget Brink[12]
On 5 October 2024, an out of control Sukhoi S-70 Okhotnik-B drone was deliberately shot down by a Russian Sukhoi Su-57 and crashed on the Ukrainian side of the front line. The wreckage included a D-30SN nose cone, indicating that the S-70 was performing operational bombing trials in the region.[4][13]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ "Operating Range of russia's New UMPB D-30 Glide Bomb Revealed | Defense Express". en.defence-ua.com. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ a b c d Boyko, Nikolov (5 September 2024). "Su-34HBO bomber appeared with 120km-range D-30SN glide bomb". bulgarianmilitary. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Hardie, John (5 June 2024). "Photos offer insights on Russia's new UMPB D-30SN glide bomb". FDD's Long War Journal. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ a b Axe, David. "That Russian Stealth Drone Was On A Bombing Run When It Got Shot Down Over Ukraine". Forbes. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ a b "New Russian D-30SN Glide Munition Better than GBU-39 Small Diameter Bomb?". www.defensemirror.com. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ Newdick, Thomas (23 May 2024). "Russia's Small Diameter Bomb-Like Weapon Seen In Action For The First Time". The War Zone. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ Тарас, Сафронов. "Kometa: challenge for Ukrainian EW". Militarnyi. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ a b Kramarenko, Danylo. "Cheap and dangerous. What are UMPB bombs that Russia struck Kharkiv with". RBC-Ukraine.
- ^ Dubois, Gastón (30 March 2024). "Russian UMPB D-30SN bomb, similar to the US GBU-39 SDB, makes its appearance in Ukraine". Aviacionline - Últimas noticias de aviación en Latinoamérica y el Caribe, España y el mundo (in Spanish). Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ "Breaking News: Ukrainian City of Kharkiv Hit by New Russian UMPB D-30". armyrecognition.com. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ Palve, Shubhangi (8 June 2024). "UMPB D-30SN: Meet Russia's 'Unstoppable' Glide Bombs That Are Propelling Its Advances In Ukraine". EURASIAN TIMES. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
- ^ "Russia Uses UMPB D-30 Bombs to Strike Kharkiv". Militarnyi.
- ^ Newdick, Thomas (2024-10-07). "Russia's S-70 Hunter Drone Was Armed When Shot Down By Friendly Fighter Over Ukraine". twz.com. Retrieved 2024-10-12.