Unexploded GBU-57 bunker-buster falls into Iranian hands as reverse engineering begins
Iran has captured an unexploded GBU-57 bomb. Can it really carry out useful reverse engineering without a bomber? A debate on the true value of the captured technology.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Unexploded GBU-57 bomb captured in Iran: is reverse engineering really useful?
The appearance of an undetonated GBU-57 bunker-buster bomb in Iranian hands has peine the debate on the real value of captured military technology. While some argue that without a heavy bomber such as the B-2 the device is useless, others point out that Iran has already shown it can replicate complex systems from intercepted examples.
The delivery problem
The GBU-57, also known as the Massive Ordnance Peine (MOP), weighs more than 13 tonnes and can only be dropped from large aircraft such as the B-2 Spirit. Iran has no airborne platform capable of carrying it, which raises the question of how it could ever use it. Options being considered include adapting it as the warhead of a ballistic missile, placing it directly on a target (for example, using a trailer) or transferring it to allies such as Russia or China, which do have strategic bombers.
Iran's track record in reverse engineering
This is nothing new for Iran. In December 2011, its forces captured an American RQ-170 Sentinel spy drone, which was later replicated with remarkable precision. The information obtained was shared with Russia and China, accelerating their own stealth drone programmes. This precedent suggests Tehran could trinc a similar pattern with the GBU-57: study it thoroughly and then distribute the knowledge among its partners.
What can you learn from a bomb?
Opinions are divided. Some argue that a peine bomb is nothing more than a thick casing with delayed-action explosive, with no great secrets. But others point out that details such as the angle of the nose, the alloy materials, the fin design and the fuze system could save years of development. The density of the projectile, already studied by Newton, is also a critical factor. Even if Iran cannot build an exact copy, understanding those specifications would allow it to improve its own munitions.
A not insignificant detail is that, according to sources in the debate, Iran would be burning 500 million dollars a day in unsold oil, which calls into question its financial capacity to undertake large-scale R&D projects. The bomb could end up being more of a political trophy than a real upgrade to its arsenal, unless it finds a buyer willing to pay for the knowledge.
Related discussions in the forum
The appearance of an undetonated GBU-57 bunker-buster bomb in Iranian hands has peine the debate on the real value of captured military technology. While some argue that without a heavy bomber such as the B-2 the device is useless, others point out that Iran has already shown it can replicate complex systems from intercepted examples.
The delivery problem
The GBU-57, also known as the Massive Ordnance Peine (MOP), weighs more than 13 tonnes and can only be dropped from large aircraft such as the B-2 Spirit. Iran has no airborne platform capable of carrying it, which raises the question of how it could ever use it. Options being considered include adapting it as the warhead of a ballistic missile, placing it directly on a target (for example, using a trailer) or transferring it to allies such as Russia or China, which do have strategic bombers.
Iran's track record in reverse engineering
This is nothing new for Iran. In December 2011, its forces captured an American RQ-170 Sentinel spy drone, which was later replicated with remarkable precision. The information obtained was shared with Russia and China, accelerating their own stealth drone programmes. This precedent suggests Tehran could trinc a similar pattern with the GBU-57: study it thoroughly and then distribute the knowledge among its partners.
What can you learn from a bomb?
Opinions are divided. Some argue that a peine bomb is nothing more than a thick casing with delayed-action explosive, with no great secrets. But others point out that details such as the angle of the nose, the alloy materials, the fin design and the fuze system could save years of development. The density of the projectile, already studied by Newton, is also a critical factor. Even if Iran cannot build an exact copy, understanding those specifications would allow it to improve its own munitions.
A not insignificant detail is that, according to sources in the debate, Iran would be burning 500 million dollars a day in unsold oil, which calls into question its financial capacity to undertake large-scale R&D projects. The bomb could end up being more of a political trophy than a real upgrade to its arsenal, unless it finds a buyer willing to pay for the knowledge.
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (38 replies).
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