BDU-33 practice bomb

The BDU-33 practice bomb is a U.S. 25-pound training munition that simulates the Mk 82 low-drag bomb. Army material describes it as a tear-drop-shaped bomb with a spotting charge, and Air Force reporting notes the blue body, approximate 22.5-inch length, and small pyrotechnic charge used for visual training feedback.

BDU-33 practice bomb, Practice bomb, Munitions

Image source: Moody A-10 dropped object reported | Moody AFB

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Delfasco, LLC
Type: Practice bomb
Unit cost: About $13 each (1988 GAO estimate)

practice training bomb air-launched

Specifications

Weight: 25 lb
Length: About 22.5 in
Body: Tear-drop-shaped practice bomb body
Simulated weapon: Mk 82 low-drag bomb
Spotting charge: Small pyrotechnic charge for target marking

Carrier Aircraft

Aero's Skyfox brochure lists BDU-33 practice bombs with a bomb dispenser among western payloads and mission profiles for the L-39NG.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

Aero L-39NG, Two-seat subsonic jet trainer and light-attack aircraft, Aircraft & UAVs

Trainer and light-attack aircraft

The Skyfox brochure lists BDU-33 practice bombs with a bomb dispenser among western payloads and mission profiles.

Sources: L-39 SKYFOX brochure | Aero

Media

BDU-33 practice bomb Images

BDU-33 practice bomb, Practice bomb, Munitions - view 1 — Source: Moody A-10 dropped object reported | Moody AFB

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Sources

BDU-33 Practice Bomb | Army JPEO A&APublisher: U.S. Army | Note: Supports the BDU-33 practice bomb description, tear-drop-shaped body, spotting charge, Mk 82 low-drag simulation, and Delfasco prime-contractor line. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Moody A-10 dropped object reported | Moody AFBPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports the 25-pound training munition description, approximate 22.5-inch length, blue color, small pyrotechnic charge, and image provenance. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Potential Reductions to DOD's Fiscal Year 1988 Ammunition Budget | GAOPublisher: U.S. Government Accountability Office | Note: Supports the historical BDU-33 cost estimate of about $5.5 million for 426,000 bombs. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 L-39 SKYFOX brochure | AeroPublisher: Aero Vodochody | Note: Supports the L-39NG carriage relationship showing BDU-33 practice bombs with a bomb dispenser among western payloads and mission profiles. | Accessed: 2026-06-27