Can a GBU31 go from subsonic to supersonic?

[Kah0tika]

I had a question while flying in DCS:
Could gravity accelerate a GBU-31 past the sound barrier?

The answer is yes definitely!

I’ve been experimenting with various ballistic profiles and extrapolating results to create reference data for different altitudes, all to achieve the fastest possible ground impact.

In this example, I dropped two GBU-31s from 33,000 ft.
I was maintaining Mach 0.85, and the impact angles of the GBUs were set between 35–40°.

Then came the magic
Although the impact angle was not achieved, two crisp sonic booms confirmed the success of this test. Perfectly synced with the strike, followed by twin detonations and a shockwave rippling across the ground.
To anyone watching from below, it would sound like four bombs hit the ground instead of two.

That’s the kind of detail that makes DCS so addictive.

Here’s a video I made where you can witness the insane accuracy of this effect.

Enjoy!

 

 

Edited yesterday at 02:22 AM by Kah0tika