GBU-39 Interactive Model
Background
The GBU-39 3D model (GBU-39-v3.glb) was created by freelance 3D artist / visual designer Azul De Monte for the Open Source Munitions Portal (OSMP) project (Airwars and ARES). It serves as a model for the kind of object reconstruction the Bellingcat course aims at.
- OSMP Visual Guide: osmp.ngo
- Artist portfolio: azuldemonte.com
What the model is
An interactive web application featuring a 3D model of a GBU-39 glide bomb. The user can highlight specific components. The model is evidence-based and forensic: real remnant photos are paired with 3D-highlighted parts for identification and education.
Assets: .glb (low-poly, ~15 distinct parts, ~10,000 faces). Evidence inputs: OSMP photo archives, expert ARES analysis, Boeing/USAF specifications.
How it was likely made
- Hard-surface modeling in Blender from technical references, blueprints, and dimensions.
- Texture projection & camera matching: using footage/photos of real remnants to project textures and ensure accurate representation.
- Mesh hierarchy: parts separated logically (nosecone, folding wings, tail actuation) so each can be highlighted/clicked individually.
- Web optimization: low-to-medium poly count for
<model-viewer>/Three.js,.glb/.gltfexport with proper (possibly baked) materials.
Open questions
- What level of detail is required for the web viewer while maintaining forensic accuracy?
- Translating distinct diagnostic remnants into robust topological representation for investigators.
Related resources
To be filled in during the #45/#47 restructure — link to precision-modeling, camera-matching, measurements.