August 26, 2014

Mysterious series of air raids in Libya point to UAE Air Force jets helped by Egypt?

According to the New York Times the mysterious airstrikes that have hit militias in Tripoli at least twice during the last week were carried out by Egypt and United Arab Emirates warplanes.

MK-82 500 lbs laser guided bombs seem to be used based on this picture posted on social media.
Photo - libyanproud


Here is an article about UAE seeking MK-82 500 lbs laser guided bombs in 2009

http://www.deagel.com/news/FMS-UAE-Seeks-GBU-24-GBU-49-GBU-50-and-BLU-109-Enhanced-Guided-Bomb-Units_n000006950.aspx

" The Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified Congress Dec. 22 of a possible Foreign Military Sale to the United Arab Emirates of enhanced guided bomb units and associated parts, equipment, training and logistical support for a complete package worth approximately $290 million.
The Government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has requested a possible sale of 400 GBU-24(V) 11/B Enhanced PAVEWAY III, 400 GBU-24(V) 12/B Enhanced PAVEWAY III, 400 GBU-49(V) 3/B Enhanced PAVEWAY II, 400 GBU-50(V) 1/B Enhanced PAVEWAY II, 800 MK-84 2000 lbs Bombs, 400 MK-82 500 lbs Bombs, 400 BLU-109/B 2000 lbs Bombs. Also included are containers, bomb components, mission planning software, spare and repair parts, publications and technical documentation, personnel training and training equipment, U.S. Government and contractor technical and logistics personnel support services, and other related elements of program support. The estimated cost is $290 million." 

Original article on Defense security co-operation agency give page not found.
http://www.dsca.mil/PressReleases/36-b/2009/UAE_09-72.pdf

Photo -  Wikipedia
Mark 82 bomb





The Guided Bomb Unit-12 (GBU-12) utilizes a Mk82 500-pound general purpose warhead. The operator illuminates a target with a laser designator and then the munition guides to a spot of laser energy reflected from the target. The GBU-12 is a member of the Paveway II series of laser guided bombs (LGBs). These weapons are hybrids. At the core of each is a bomb: a 500-pound Mk 82 for the GBU-12, a 1,000-pound Mk 83 for the GBU-16 and a 2,000-pound Mk 84 for the GBU-10. A laser guidance kit is integrated with each bomb to add the requisite degree of precision. The kit consists of a computer control group at the front end of the weapon and an airfoil group at the back. When a target is illuminated by a laser - either airborne or ground-based - the guidance fins (canards) react to signals from the control group and steer the weapon to the target. Wings on the airfoil group add the lift and aerodynamic stability necessary for in-flight maneuvering.

View of Tripoli sky after air raids 



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