Weapons used in the Afghan attack
Tomahawk Cruise Missile
A long-range, jet-powered cruise missile launched from navy ships and submarines.
First used in the Gulf war, the missile has since been used several times
since, including the 1998 attacks on Osama bin Laden's camps in Afghanistan.
The missile uses global positioning system (GPS) technology and computer mapping
programs to hit its target.
Manufacturer: Raytheon
Engine: Turbofan and solid rocket booster
Length: 6.15 metres with booster or 5.48 metres without
Diameter: 51.8 centimetres
Wingspan: 2.63 metres
Weight: 1,305 kg, 1,350 kg with booster
Cost: $600,000
Range: 1,000 miles
Speed: About 550 mph
Federation of American Scientists (FAS) Tomahawk Information Page: http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/smart/bgm-109.htm
Article About Tomahawk missiles in Covert Action Quarterly
Joint Direct Attack Munition
A special kit that fits on the tail of a conventional 450kg or 900kg bomb
allowing it to be guided by GPS. The military developed the system after the
Gulf war to allow planes to drop conventional bombs during bad weather or
from longer distances.
Manufacturer: Boeing
Length (JDAM and warhead): From 303.5 centimetres to 387.9 centimetres, depending
on size of bomb
Wingspan: Either 64 centimetres or 50 centimetres
Weight: Between 456kg and 952kg
Wingspan: 49.8 centimetres to 63.5 centimetres
Range: 15 miles
Ceiling: 13,500 metres
Cost: About $21,000 per kit
FAS Infomation on Joint Direct Attack Munition: http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/smart/jdam.htm
B-1B Lancer
A long-range bomber that can fly round-the-world missions. Initially built
to carry nuclear bombs, now used to unleash conventional bombs. First deployed
in combat to support operations against Iraq in 1998 during Operation Desert
Fox.
Manufacturer: Boeing
Engines: Four turbofans with afterburners
Length: 44 metres
Wingspan: 41 metres, with wings extended forward, 23.7 metres with wings swept
back
Speed: More than 900 mph
Range: Intercontinental
Weapons: Up to 80 conventional bombs, 30 cluster bombs, 24 guided "smart"
bombs
First deployed: 1985
Crew: Four (aircraft commander, pilot, offensive weapons officer, defensive
weapons officer)
Cost: $200m
FAS Infomation on B-1B: http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/usa/bomber/b-1b.htm
B-2 Spirit
Also known as the stealth; bomber, the B-2's wing shape, special materials
and other measures are designed to make it difficult for enemy radar to track.
Manufacturer: Northrop Grumman Corp.
Engines: Four turbofans
Length: 69 feet (20.7 meters)
Wingspan: 172 feet (51.6 meters)
Speed: High subsonic (less than 750 mph)
FAS Information on B-2: http://www.fas.org/nuke/guide/usa/bomber/b-2.htm