The GBU-8 consists of a contrast seeker in the nose section, four cruciform tailfins with flying surfaces for control, strakes connecting the tailfins with the nose section, and a 2000 lb Mk. 84 low-drag general-purpose bomb. The same type of guidance kit was also attached to a 3000 lb Mark 118 bomb, where it was designated GBU-9.[3][2]
History
Development of the Homing Bomb System (HOBOS) by Rockwell began in 1967 on the request of the U.S. Air Force[3] in response to shortcomings of the AGM-62 Walleye during the Vietnam War. The payload of the 2000 lb Mk. 84 bomb was considered to be more effective than the smaller explosive warhead found on the Walleye, which was designed by the Navy for anti-ship use.[5]
The system was deployed to USAF units at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand in January 1969[1] and was subsequently used in combat for the first time in February 1969.
Development of the basic HOBOS concept continued after the Vietnam War with the GBU-15, which built off of the basic concepts introduced with the GBU-8.[2][4][7][8]
Variants
KMU-353A/B: Contrast-seeker guidance kit for 2000 lb Mk. 84 bomb[2][8]
