glide bomb

weapon

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

A glide bomb is a type of weapon that is fitted with airfoils, allowing it to glide toward its target. This glide can occur with or without a guidance system.1

During World War II, a variation of airborne rockets involved adding rocket motors and fins to conventional bombs. This modification resulted in a flatter trajectory, extended range, and increased impact velocity, making them effective against hardened targets like concrete bunkers. These weapons were known as glide bombs. Both Japan and the Soviet Union developed and employed glide bombs of various sizes during the war.2

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rocket and missile system
Aerial rockets
These weapons were called glide bombs, and the Japanese had 100-kilogram and 370-kilogram (225-pound and 815-pound) versions. The Soviet Union employed 25- and 100-kilogram versions, launched from the IL-2 Stormovik attack aircraft.
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These weapons were called glide bombs, and the Japanese had 100-kilogram and 370-kilogram (225-pound and 815-pound) versions. The Soviet Union employed 25- and 100-kilogram versions, launched from the IL-2 Stormovik attack aircraft.
Read More