[Verse 1]
Strap on wings
Terror brings
Things of war
To abhor
[Chorus]
Reigning down
Raining down
All around
Reigning down
Raining down
Innocence bound
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]
[Verse 2]
Silent approach
Border broach
Children dead
What can be said?
[Chorus]
Reigning down
Raining down
All around
Reigning down
Raining down
Innocence bound
[Instrumental, Synthesizer Solo, Bass]
[Bridge]
Can’t hear it here
Can fear it here
When will the glide ride
Subside?
[Instrumental, Guitar Solo, Drum Fills]
[Chorus]
Reigning down
Raining down
All around]
Reigning down
Raining down
Innocence bound
[Outro]
Reigning down
Raining down
A SCIENCE NOTE
A Russian glide bomb, also known as a precision-guided glide bomb, is an aerial bomb that incorporates guidance systems to enhance its accuracy and range. Unlike traditional unguided bombs, which rely solely on gravity to hit their targets, glide bombs have aerodynamic surfaces, such as wings or fins, that allow them to “glide” towards their target after being released from an aircraft. This capability extends their range and improves their accuracy.
Key Features of Russian Glide Bombs
- Guidance Systems: These bombs are equipped with various guidance technologies, such as GPS, inertial navigation systems, or laser guidance, which allow them to adjust their flight path in real-time to strike specific targets with high precision.
- Aerodynamic Design: Glide bombs have wing-like structures or fins that provide lift and control, enabling them to glide over longer distances compared to free-fall bombs. This aerodynamic design also helps in evading enemy defenses by allowing for more flexible and unpredictable flight paths.
- Increased Range: The glide capability allows these bombs to be released from a distance, keeping the launching aircraft out of range of enemy air defenses. This standoff distance enhances the safety of the aircraft and crew.
- Payload: These bombs can carry various types of payloads, including high-explosive, cluster munitions, or specialized warheads designed to penetrate hardened targets.
Examples of Russian Glide Bombs
- KAB-500S-E: A GPS-guided glide bomb with a range of approximately 10-15 kilometers, used for precise targeting.
- KAB-250: A smaller version, also featuring GPS guidance, used for engaging smaller or more mobile targets.
- Drel (PBK-500U): A cluster glide bomb designed to disperse submunitions over a wide area, effective against infantry and light vehicles.
Strategic and Tactical Advantages
- Precision Targeting: The guidance systems enable highly accurate strikes, reducing collateral damage and increasing the effectiveness of attacks on strategic targets.
- Stand-Off Capability: The extended range allows aircraft to launch these bombs from outside the range of enemy air defenses, increasing the survivability of the aircraft.
- Versatility: Glide bombs can be used against a wide variety of targets, including infrastructure, military installations, and armored vehicles.
Operational Use
Russian glide bombs have been employed in various conflicts, demonstrating their capability to strike with precision. Their use in Syria, for example, showcased their effectiveness in targeting enemy positions and infrastructure with minimal collateral damage.
Russian glide bombs are advanced munitions that combine guidance systems with aerodynamic designs to enhance their range and accuracy, providing significant tactical and strategic advantages in modern warfare.