China's scientists assert that American bunker-busting bombs may be susceptible to anti-aircraft missiles.
In a recent study, Chinese military scientists have proposed a countermeasure against the US Air Force's GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator (MOP) bomb, a formidable bunker buster weapon. The proposed method, while potentially effective, is operationally challenging due to the need for precision, advanced radar tracking, and robust electronic counter-countermeasures.
The countermeasure relies on targeting the bomb's sides, which are made of steel only a few centimeters thick, with rapid-firing anti-aircraft shells. The Swiss Oerlikon GDF guns, capable of firing 36 shells in two seconds, have shown a 42% kill probability at a range of about 1,200 meters (0.7 miles). The tactic involves engaging the bomb from the side at an angle under 68 degrees and within 3,900 feet to exploit this weak flank, similar to armor-piercing strategies from World War II.
However, successfully implementing this countermeasure requires overcoming electronic warfare defenses and precise radar tracking. Without these capabilities, the proposed approach may not be reliably effective. The GBU-57 remains a formidable weapon with continuous upgrades by the US Air Force, reflecting efforts to overcome improved bunker defenses and potential countermeasures identified by adversaries.
Meanwhile, other technological advancements are making headlines. For instance, Google's geothermal experiments are serving as engineering templates for the energy transition. In Canada, a 300 MW nuclear reactor is set to receive a turbine and generator to power 300,000 homes. In the field of materials science, gold has survived 19,000 kelvins without melting in a record-breaking extreme physics test.
In the realm of biotechnology, a floss-based vaccine delivers flu antibodies to bone marrow, saliva, and more. Meanwhile, Chinese researchers have developed a cyborg battle suit that allows soldiers to toss drones, see through walls, and run on bots.
However, not all news is positive. Plastic pollution continues to be a significant issue, with 27 million tons of plastic piling up in the Atlantic Ocean and proving difficult to clean up. In space exploration, Russian scientists have spun up a record-smashing nuclear centrifuge to turbocharge uranium processing.
In summary, while the proposed Chinese countermeasure against the GBU-57 reveals an exploitable vulnerability in the bomb's design, actual battlefield success would demand complex integration of detection, targeting, and electronic warfare capabilities. As the world continues to advance technologically, these advancements and challenges will shape the future of warfare and energy production.
Innovation in the field of technology and science is continually pushing boundaries, as evidenced by the Swiss Oerlikon GDF guns' potential use for countering the US Air Force's GBU-57, which necessitates advanced radar tracking and robust electronic counter-countermeasures. Meanwhile, scientific advancements such as Google's geothermal experiments, the development of a cyborg battle suit by Chinese researchers, and the survival of gold at extreme temperatures showcase ongoing technological progress.
