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Images Released By The Israeli Air Force Show JDAM GBU-31 2,000 Pound Bombs With Unusual Markings Mounted Under An F-16C/D Barak Fighter During Recently Reported Missions Over Tehran, Iran, Raising Questions About The Payload Configuration Used
Images released by the Israeli Air Force on social media show two JDAM GBU-31 2,000 pound bombs mounted under an F-16C/D Barak fighter, with unusual markings that caught attention during recent operations conducted over Tehran, Iran.
The photographs were accompanied by a statement from the commander of Ramat David Air Base, who mentioned recent missions conducted on Iranian territory. The visual material quickly attracted interest due to the distinctive characteristics of the bombs carried by the F-16.
The presence of the weapons under the wing of the aircraft, combined with the operational context of the reported missions, led analysts to closely observe visible details on the bombs. Among these elements, colorful markings stood out that do not correspond to the configurations typically observed on JDAM bombs.
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Unusual Markings On The Bombs Mounted On The F-16
The detail that caught the most attention in the images was the presence of unusual markings on the JDAM bombs. The weapons display a red band surrounding the front section, as well as a nose cone painted in the same color.
In addition to this marking, a yellow band can also be observed positioned close to the front of the bomb. This type of marking is more common and appears on various munitions used in standard configurations.
According to conventions typically used in U.S. munitions, the yellow band indicates that the weapon contains a high-explosive projectile.
However, the simultaneous presence of the two colors on the bombs carried by the F-16 does not correspond to a typical JDAM configuration.
The Meaning Of The Red And Yellow Markings
While the yellow band frequently appears on conventional munitions, the presence of red markings is much less common on JDAM bombs. This visual detail raised questions about the type of payload installed on these specific weapons.
Within the marking conventions of U.S. munitions, a red band can indicate the presence of an incendiary payload.
In other cases, dark red markings on gray surfaces may indicate munitions containing irritant agents or crowd control agents.
In light of these conventions, observers began to consider the possibility that the bombs seen under the F-16 were configured with a different type of payload. The hypothesis raised involves the use of an incendiary configuration instead of a conventional high-explosive warhead.
Possible Link To The Rare Weapon Crash PAD
Among the few known JDAM variants associated with incendiary payloads is the BLU-119/B Crash PAD, which stands for Prompt Agent Defeat.
This weapon weighs approximately 907 kg, equivalent to 2,000 pounds, and rarely appears in public discussions.
The Crash PAD was developed to work with the JDAM guidance kit. Contrary to what is often assumed, the JDAM is not a complete bomb but rather a conversion system that transforms conventional bombs into guided weapons.
This kit adds a GPS-guided rear section with control fins and stabilizers. The assembly allows the bomb to glide to the target with greater accuracy after being released by aircraft such as the F-16.
How The JDAM System Works
The JDAM guidance kit is typically attached to existing bomb bodies, often from the Mk 80 series. This combination allows armed forces to create different variants of guided munitions with various types of payloads.
The BLU-119/B Crash PAD was developed in 2002 as a rapid response capability. The weapon was prepared for use during the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
The system was designed to target and destroy stocks of chemical and biological weapons. The bomb uses about 66 kg of PBX-109 explosive combined with approximately 190 kg of white phosphorus.
When employed, the initial explosive charge ruptures containers or bunkers storing hazardous materials. Then, the white phosphorus ignites and burns intensely, destroying the agents by incineration and reducing the risk of material dispersion into the environment.
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