Gallery: The Air Force Runs a Bomb-Building Competition. Cuz ‘MERICA

  • This image may contain Helmet Clothing Apparel Human Person and Hardhat
    Andrew Hetherington
    01

    Hetherington017.jpg

    A member of an ammo troop oversees the buildup of GBU-38s (JDAM 38).
  • Image may contain Skin Human Person Clothing Apparel Helmet and Hardhat
    Andrew Hetherington
    02

    Hetherington022.jpg

    A munitions squad plans their bomb build.
  • Image may contain Transportation Vehicle Truck Human Person Military Military Uniform Armored Army and People
    Andrew Hetherington
    03

    Hetherington021.jpg

    Bomb components are brought onsite for use in the team competition.
  • Image may contain Helmet Clothing Apparel Human Person Hardhat Vehicle Transportation Helicopter and Aircraft
    Andrew Hetherington
    04

    Hetherington016.jpg

    An ammo troop inspects GBU-38 (Joint Direct Attack Munition 38) tail kits before assembling them on to the bomb body.
  • Image may contain Human Person Clothing Footwear Apparel and Shoe
    Andrew Hetherington
    05

    Hetherington006.jpg

    A munitions squad at Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, loading bombs.
  • Image may contain Human Person Helmet Clothing Apparel Fireman and Wristwatch
    Andrew Hetherington
    06

    Hetherington018.jpg

    Competitors attach a precision-guided tailkit to a bomb body.
  • Image may contain Human Person Military Transportation Vehicle Aircraft Airplane and Military Uniform
    Andrew Hetherington
    07

    Hetherington013.jpg

    Fully assembled GBU-38s awaiting inspection by Global Strike Challenge judges.
  • Image may contain Vehicle Transportation Aircraft Airplane Rocket and Missile
    Andrew Hetherington
    08

    Hetherington009.jpg

    An inert bomb on display at Whiteman Air Force Base.
  • Image may contain Human Person Helmet Clothing and Apparel
    Andrew Hetherington
    09

    Hetherington020.jpg

    Ammo troops move GBU-38 bomb bodies along a mobile assembly line.
  • Image may contain Trophy
    Andrew Hetherington
    10

    Hetherington008.jpg

    The trophy case displaying awards from previous Global Strike Challenge competitions.
  • Image may contain Helmet Clothing Apparel Human Person Military Military Uniform Armored Army and Soldier
    Andrew Hetherington
    11

    Hetherington019.jpg

    All bombs are inspected before the competition; here, an ammo troop installs fuzes into a MK-82 bomb body as part of the GBU-38 (JDAM 38) buildup process.
  • Image may contain Human Person Transportation Vehicle Airplane Aircraft Warplane Bomber Building and Hangar
    Andrew Hetherington
    12

    Hetherington012.jpg

    The Spirit of Nebraska being loaded with concrete gravity bombs as part of the Global Strike Challenge.
  • Image may contain Wood Door Hardwood Ceiling Fan and Appliance
    Andrew Hetherington
    13

    Hetherington010.jpg

    The B-2's signature shape is everywhere on base, including doors to restricted areas.
  • Image may contain Human Person Military Military Uniform Transportation Vehicle Aircraft Airplane Armored and Army
    Andrew Hetherington
    14

    Hetherington011.jpg

    Crew chiefs who oversee the maintenance of individual B-2 bombers.
Read More
What’s Worse Than Romance Scams? Adoption Scams
This week in WIRED Book Club, we recap the final chapters of The Yahoo Boys.
Kate Knibbs
Beatbot’s New Pool Robot Cleans Itself (Mostly)
The AquaSense X brings self-cleaning technology to pool robots for the first time, but is it worth nearly twice the price of Beatbot’s flagship cleaner?
Christopher Null
Skylight’s Touchscreen Calendar Got my Whole Family on the Same Page
The Skylight has become the informational and organizational hub of my household. My touchscreen-native kids have also gained more agency over our family activities.
Jaclyn Greenberg
The Samsung Micro RGB R95H Is a Good, Not Great TV
There’s a new fleet of TVs using new mini and micro RBG display tech, and Samsung’s R95H model isn’t as impressive as it should be.
John Brandon
AI Found a Root Bug in Linux That Everyone Missed for 15 Years
Plus: The Pentagon is training amateurs to become part of its hacker army, a Flock license plate reader error led to cops surrounding a car reviewer, and more.
Dell Cameron
We Make Lovely Home-Cooked Meals for Ourselves. Why Not Do the Same for Our Dogs?
More dog owners have begun cooking for their canine companions in recent years. When my own dog fell ill, I became part of this growing group.
Alicia Kennedy
The Best Hiking Boots and Shoes for Any Adventure
From strenuous hikes and serious summits to weekend rambles in the park, these boots help you make the most of your time outdoors.
Chris Haslam
China’s Tianwen-2 Space Probe Has Rendezvoused With Earth’s Quasi-Moon
The probe sent back the first pictures of the asteroid Kamo’oalewa. Next step: landing on the surface and collecting samples to send back to Earth.
Ritsuko Kawai
El Niño Is Already Wreaking Havoc on Pacific Fisheries
As the climate phenomenon sends warm water surging across the eastern Pacific, some parts of the fishing industry are suffering—but other regions are seeing a windfall.
Joseph Winters
Exclusive: How Jay-Z Pulled Off a Surprise-Filled Show During New York’s Wildest Summer
Summer 2026 marks the 30th anniversary of Jay-Z’s debut Reasonable Doubt. To honor it, he put on a massive concert at Yankee Stadium—complete with performances from Beyoncé, Nas, and Alicia Keys.
Angela Watercutter
OpenAI’s Head of Safety Is Leaving the Company
Johannes Heidecke’s departure comes as OpenAI tries to further integrate its research and safety teams.
Maxwell Zeff
Microsoft Reports a Massive 25 Percent Jump in Emissions
Data centers are driving up the company’s use of electricity—and carbon pollution.
Molly Taft