In June, when the United States conducted Operation Midnight Hammer—a series of strikes against Iranian nuclear targets—it did so with two key pieces of exquisite hardware: the GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator, a large bomb designed to penetrate hardened and deeply buried targets, and the B-2 Spirit strategic bomber. But how does the GBU-57 actually work? How is it designed? And what’s it like to fly this type of long-range bomber mission in a B-2?
To examine those questions, John Amble is joined on this episode by Dr. Melvin Deaile. He teaches at the US Air Force’s Air University and is a retired Air Force colonel and strategic bomber pilot with operational combat experience in the B-2. This makes him uniquely suited to both share his perspective on one of the Air Force’s most unique munitions and describe the experience of flying a strategic bomber in action.
The MWI Podcast is produced through an endowment generously funded by the West Point Class of 1974. You can listen to this episode of the podcast below, and if you aren’t already subscribed, be sure to find it on Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, or your favorite podcast app so you don’t miss an episode. While you’re there, please take just a moment to leave the podcast a rating or give it a review!
Image credit: Staff Sgt. Joshua Hastings, US Air Force