The HOPE (HOchleistungs-PEnetrator = High-Performance Penetrator) and HOSBO (HOchleistungs-SprengBOmbe = High-Performance Explosive Bomb) are two precision-guided munitions that were under development by Diehl Defence for the German Luftwaffe. German officials have stated that HOPE has greater penetration capability than a USAF GBU-28 munition.
A first test flight with HOPE, carried by a Tornado of the German Air Force, took place on 9 April 2008 in Manching, Germany. A further successful test of the HOPE munition was carried out at the Swedish test range at Vidsel on 14 September 2008.
Diehl BGT was expected to reach production readiness in 2010, although neither the weapon nor the integration has been ordered so far. The project has been suspended by Diehl.
HOPE HOPE is a glide bomb with high maneuverability, developed specifically to engage hardened targets, such as tunnels and subterranean bunkers, but also moving targets. HOPE has a range of more than and contains internal GPS/INS and electro-optical guidance.
HOSBO HOSBO is a highly maneuverable glide bomb that can be equipped with modular warheads, including non-lethal ones such as a High-Power Microwave (HPM) weapon. Range and guidance are the same as that of HOPE.
Specifications Name: HOPE/HOSBO Prime contractor: Diehl BGT Defence Range: Length: HOPE: ; HOSBO: Weight: HOPE: ; HOSBO: Diameter: Approx Guidance: GPS/INS and electro-optical (EO) video feedback
Platforms Eurofighter Typhoon Panavia Tornado
See also
References