GBU
Military abbreviation · Weapon and Military Equipment
| Stands for | Guided bomb unit |
|---|---|
| Categories | Military |
GBU stands for Guided bomb unit, a weapon and military equipment abbreviation.
US designation prefix for guided bombs, applied to laser-guided Paveways, GPS-guided JDAMs and large penetrators. Examples include the GBU-12, GBU-31 and GBU-57. The number identifies the specific kit and bomb combination.
Example: The F-16 carried two GBU-12s and a targeting pod.
Usage notes
Unguided general-purpose bombs carry Mk numbers such as the Mk 82 500-pound bomb; adding a guidance kit creates a GBU designation. Related prefixes include CBU for cluster bomb units and BLU for bomb live units, the bomb bodies themselves.
Related abbreviations
More weapon and military equipment abbreviations
- CIWS – Close-in weapon system
- DMR – Designated marksman rifle
- DPICM – Dual-purpose improved conventional munition
- EFP – Explosively formed penetrator
- FMJ – Full metal jacket
- FPV – First-person view drone
- GMLRS – Guided Multiple Launch Rocket System
- HARM – High-speed Anti-Radiation Missile
- HE – High explosive
- HEAT – High-explosive anti-tank
- HGV – Hypersonic glide vehicle
- HIMARS – High Mobility Artillery Rocket System