dumb bomb
Unguided falling explosive
A dumb bomb is an unguided bomb that falls by gravity alone, lacking the sensors, fins, or guidance systems that direct "smart" bombs to their targets.
The term emerged as precision-guided munitions became standard: Coalition forces used mostly smart weapons, reserving dumb bombs for less critical targets.
Dumb here means unsophisticated, not stupid.
Lacking direction or supervision
- ballistic trajectoryCurve of unpowered projectile
- inaccurateNot correct or precise
- impreciseLacking exactness or accuracy
- windageAir current interference
Parachute delivery from aircraft
- free-fallUnimpeded downward acceleration
- release pointWhere projectile departs hand
- drop zoneDesignated touchdown area
- B-52Heavy strategic bomber
pylon · hardpoint · sortie · air strike
Area affected by explosion
- craterImpact or volcanic basin
- impactForceful contact or consequence
- detonationExplosive ignition event
- shrapnelScattered explosion fragments
fragmentation · concussion · overpressure · collateral damage · rubble · destruction · devastation · cratering
Directed to exact destination
- laser-guidedSteered by light beam
- cruise missileSelf-propelled flying weapon
- precision strikeTargeted military attack
- surgical strikeTargeted operation minimizing damage
unguided
Lacking direction or supervision
- ballistic trajectoryCurve of unpowered projectile
- inaccurateNot correct or precise
- impreciseLacking exactness or accuracy
airdrop
Parachute delivery from aircraft
- free-fallUnimpeded downward acceleration
- release pointWhere projectile departs hand
- drop zoneDesignated touchdown area
B-52 · pylon · hardpoint · sortie · air strike
blast radius
Area affected by explosion
- craterImpact or volcanic basin
- impactForceful contact or consequence
- detonationExplosive ignition event
shrapnel · fragmentation · concussion · overpressure · collateral damage · rubble · destruction · devastation · cratering · ground zero
precision-guided
Directed to exact destination
- laser-guidedSteered by light beam
- cruise missileSelf-propelled flying weapon
- precision strikeTargeted military attack
payload
Carried freight or charge
- ordnanceMilitary weapons collectively
- air raidsair raid, air strike, raid, blitz, sirens
- Missilesmissile, ICBM, cruise missile, ballistic missile, guided missile
dumb bombsmart bomb
Self-guided explosive weapon
guided bomb · laser-guided bomb · guided missile · cruise missile
dumb, bomb, dumber, dumbest, dumbly, dumbness, dumbed, dumbing, bombs