February 29, 2008:
The U.S. Air Force
has conducted a successful test of its new deep penetration warhead [VIDEO]. Carried by
cruise missiles, the tandem warhead first detonates a shaped charge, which can
penetrate 35 feet of limestone, or 20 feet of reinforces concrete. Right behind
the shaped charge comes a 500 pound explosive, which detonates inside the hole,
preferably inside an enemy bunker that the first charge has penetrated. The
recent test only went through 19.5 feet of the hardened concrete, so a second
test, with a more powerful shaped charge, will be conducted. The new warhead
will be used for the new AGM-129 ACM (Advanced Cruise Missile) or the older
BGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile. The new warhead will be in service by 2011, or
sooner (if there is an urgent need).