Small Diameter Bombs
Type: system
Definition
Small Diameter Bombs (SDBs) are a family of 250-pound-class, precision-guided, standoff glide munitions designed to let aircraft carry more weapons per sortie while improving accuracy and reducing collateral effects compared to larger general-purpose bombs. The original variant, commonly associated with GBU-39/B (SDB I), is an all-weather, day/night coordinate-guided weapon that uses GPS-aided navigation for precision strikes. A newer member of the family, commonly known as SDB II / GBU-53/B, expands the concept by enabling engagement of both fixed and moving targets in adverse weather as a precision standoff weapon. In short: SDBs trade sheer bomb size for smarter guidance, longer standoff, and higher carriage density, giving commanders more precise options per sortie.
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