Could Israeli C-130s Drop GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator Bunker Busters?

[douglas9]

A major unknown we have been discussing for many years is how Israel would go about fully destroying Iran’s nuclear capabilities, not just degrading them, without having the ability to penetrate deeply buried sites from the air — the nuclear enrichment facility that sits under a mountain in Fordo, in particular. Without the help of U.S. B-2 Spirits carrying GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs), a ground operation seemed like nearly the only option. But what about Israel’s humble fleet of roughly 15 KC-130H, C-130H, and C-130J Hercules transports?

The B-2 and the constantly evolving MOP are the only known combo of conventional weapons that could theoretically dig down far enough to blow up the Fordo nuclear site. Even the ability of this to succeed in this mission has been questioned. Exotic ballistic missile and warhead combinations may be an option, but this is totally speculative. Beyond striking tunnel entrances to possibly impair access to the site for a period of time using smaller bunker busters, the B-2s carrying MOPs appear to be the only game in town. Or is it?

Part of the B-2’s allure is that it could penetrate very deeply into Iranian airspace and strike its targets without having to execute a full air war. It would still need major support, but, combined with standoff capabilities and stealth tactical jets, it provides an avenue to a quicker and hopefully cleaner conflict aimed at dismantling Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The need for the B-2’s stealth qualities is drastically reduced now that Israel has declared air superiority over Iran. That doesn’t mean ground-based air defenses are not still a threat — especially road mobile, shoulder-fired, and non-traditional systems — but Iran’s overall counter-air capability has been severely degraded. Fighters and even slow-moving large drones that operate at medium altitude are now flying relatively freely over major Iranian population centers today. Regardless, as far as we know, the B-2 is still not an option as the United States has not yet agreed to join the kinetic fight alongside Israel.

https://www.twz.com/air/could-israeli-c-130s-drop-gbu-57-massive-ordnance-penetrator-bunker-busters

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

1. I'd think a C130 could easily carry one of these bombs to Iran.

Once there, however, I don't think the C130 has the proper bomb bay, bomb bay doors, bomb targeting equipment, bomb release mechanism, all these little things that make a bomber a bomber.

But for simply safely transporting the thing from one airport to another, a c130 should work fine.

It's a good idea though, looking for other means of delivery.

[Disaffected]

4. I understand a C-130 can carry and launch a MOAB.

In a similar way to airborne dropping of cargo - open the rear cargo door and the thing rolls out the back on a "dolly" pulled by a drogue chute or similar. Once out the door, the chute detaches and the thing falls like a bomb.

[Irish_Dem]

2. Desperate and crazy idea.

[Prairie Gates]

3. Oh for God's sake