The Massive Ordnance Penetrator is a GPS-guided, earth-penetrating strike weapon for use against hard and deeply buried targets.
It was developed and tested through a USAF and Defense Threat Reduction Agency partnership in 2004, and is now managed by AFGSC.
Flight testing was conducted from 2008 to 2010, when the program transitioned to USAF. A B-2 successfully test-dropped the GBU-57 in 2014, 2015, and 2016.
Several B-2s completed a total of four test drops at White Sands Missile Range, N.M., in 2017 validating the effectiveness of mods made under the Enhanced Threat Response IV upgrade.
MOP proved effective, clearing the way for potential early fielding, though the Air Force’s recommendation is classified. The service is currently validating requirements to expand the weapon’s capabilities further.
USAF issued a $20.9 million contract in FY18 to procure an undisclosed number of additional GBU-57 for delivery through July 2020. No funds were requested in FY20-FY21.
GBU-57 MOP Technical Data
Contractor: Boeing.
First Flight: Classified.
IOC: 2011.
Operator: AFGSC.
Active Variant: •GBU-57B. GPS-guided 30,000-lb penetrating weapon.
Guidance: GPS.
Warhead: 5,740-lb HE.
Dimensions: Length 20.5 ft, diameter 31.5 in.
Integration: B-2A (tests also conducted on the B-52).
