GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition

Also known as

GBU-38
GBU-38/B
GBU-38 JDAM
500-pound JDAM

GBU-38 is the 500-pound JDAM variant of Boeing's GPS/INS-guided bomb kit, built around the Mk 82 body for accurate air-to-surface strike. The Air Force fact sheet lists a 92.6-inch length, 558-pound launch weight, 14-inch wingspan, and an approximate $22,000 tailkit cost in fiscal 2007 dollars, while a 2025 QUICKSINK photo shows Airmen loading GBU-38s onto a B-2 Spirit for maritime-defense testing.

GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition, 500-pound GPS/INS-guided bomb kit, Munitions

Image source: Joint Direct Attack Munition GBU-31/32/38

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Boeing
Type: 500-pound GPS/INS-guided bomb kit
Unit cost: Approximately $22,000 per tailkit (fiscal 2007 dollars)
Produced: 1999-present

gps-guided guided bomb air-launched precision fires

Specifications

Primary function: Guided air-to-surface weapon
Length: 92.6 in (235.2 cm)
Launch weight: 558 lb (253.6 kg)
Wingspan: 14 in (35.6 cm)
Guidance system: GPS/INS
Range: Up to 15 miles

Carrier Aircraft

Air Force imagery shows this JDAM variant loaded for B-2 carriage during QUICKSINK testing.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

B-2 Spirit, Low-observable strategic heavy bomber, Aircraft & UAVs

Stealth bomber

Air Force Research Laboratory's QUICKSINK photo shows GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions being loaded onto a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber during maritime-defense testing.

Sources: Air Force Demonstrates Low-Cost Maritime Defense Capability with QUICKSINK

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: In U.S. service since 1999

Media

GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition Images

GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munition, 500-pound GPS/INS-guided bomb kit, Munitions - view 1 — Source: Joint Direct Attack Munition GBU-31/32/38

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Sources

Joint Direct Attack Munition GBU-31/32/38Publisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports GBU-38 specifications, manufacturer background, service context, and unit cost; the fact sheet also identifies the GBU-38 as the 500-pound JDAM variant. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Air Force Demonstrates Low-Cost Maritime Defense Capability with QUICKSINKPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports direct carriage evidence: Air Force imagery shows GBU-38 Joint Direct Attack Munitions being loaded onto a B-2 Spirit stealth bomber during QUICKSINK maritime-defense testing. | Accessed: 2026-06-27