US Air Force.doc

US Air Force: Weapons


Introduction

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Ever since an Italian pilot threw a large grenade from his cockpit at a

Libyan oasis on 1 November 1911, airplanes and their weapons have been dedicated

to the proposition that the 'Bad Guys' of the world seem to behave best with a

knee on their chest and a knife at their throat. Today, warplanes are the knee,

their weapons are the knife. There is nothing 'nice' or humane about these tools

their job is to destroy things and people. Precision-guided weapons were not

developed to conduct more humane warfare, they simply enable more targets to be

destroyed more quickly with fewer aircraft. Cluster bombs specialize in killing

and maiming large numbers of people who happen to be outside shooting at

airplanes or friendly troops.

A warplane without its weapons is useless. This is why the questions, "How

fast does your airplane go?" or "How far can it fly?" usually elicit a reply of

"It depends," from a pilot. Just like the family car can not go as fast or far

as the salesman said it would when it is loaded with Mom and Dad and the kids,

and a luggage rack on the roof, neither will a warplane ready for the business

of war. How many weapons are carried, what kind they are, what altitude they are

delivered from, what defenses have to be penetrated, what other kinds of

aircraft are in the strike package, and even which fuzes are being used are

typical of the factors evaluated for their impact on a given mission (and

aircraft performance).

It is important to realize that just because an aircraft is able to carry a

given weapon does not mean that it actually trains to employ it operationally

and commanders are extremely reluctant to send their aircrew into combat with

weapons they have not trained with. Two examples: while A-10s are authorized to

deliver laser-guided bombs, they never do Mavericks are their fort; on the

other hand, F-111Fs are authorized to employ Maverick, but they never touch it

preferring their trusty LGBs instead.

It is interesting to note how warplane design is affected by weapon

performance. For instance, during the Vietnam War air-to-air missile performance

was abysmal. This, combined with the inability to positively identify aircraft

as friend or foe until they were within visual range, resulted in numerous

dogfights. It is no coincidence that every fighter produced since that war has

had a gun and incredible maneuverability. But, with airborne warning and control

system (AWACS) airborne radars to identify the bad guys and the increased

lethality of air-to-air missiles, almost all aerial engagements during the Gulf

War were over 'before the merge' (when dogfighting begins), leaving both the

maneuverability and gun virtually unused for their intended purpose. This is

even more interesting in light of the recent selection of the advanced tactical

fighter, when the engine/airframe combination with the lowest thrust and highest

drag was selected, at least in part because of a perception that it will be

slightly more maneuverable in a slow-speed dogfight something good fighter

pilots avoid like the plague, despite what the film 'Top Gun' might lead one to

believe.

This article 'demystifies' weapons designations as much as possible. Most

of the prefixes and suffixes which append the nomenclature have simple meanings.

For instance, the prefix ' AF/' indicates an item used only by the Air Force,

while ' AN/' means one used by both the Air Force and Navy. Using the current

weapon designation system, an '/A' indicates the device remains attached to the

exterior of the aircraft, a '/B' suffix that it is released from the aircraft to

do whatever it is designed to do, and a '/C' is retained within the bomb bay.

While the original design has just a numerical designation, subsequent models

are indicated by a letter following the number (e.g. GBU-12/B, -12 A/B, etc.).

Dropping and firing live weapons is something done infrequently during

training, and most of the time training ordnance is used. For missiles this

means rounds with working seekers, but no rocket motors, warheads or guidance

sections. Where a live missile would display black (guidance), yellow (warhead),

or brown (rocket motor) bands, training rounds display either blue bands or

paint the entire section blue.

Copyright (c) 1995 SoftKey Multimedia Inc.; All Rights Reserved.


Cluster bombs

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While structures and other 'hard' targets are best dealt with by classical 'bombs,'

area targets such as troop and armor concentrations, truck parks and artillery batteries

are more susceptible to cluster munitions. Many early cluster munitions were dispersed

from containers retained by the aircraft. This had two major drawbacks. First, it

increased aircraft drag, thus decreasing range. Also, the dispersion pattern of the

bomblets was very dependent on speed and altitude, forcing the aircraft to maintain a

predictable flight path during deliverynever a wise move in combat! For these reasons,

only dispensers released from the delivery aircraft are used today. Once these are

released from the aircraft, the dispenser shell breaks apart, scattering the bomblets.

Most cluster bomb dispensers have 14-in (35-cm) suspension lug spacing.

Modern cluster bombs, like general-purpose bombs, are employed by all tactical

fighters as well as B-52s. Unexploded cluster bomblets in general, especially the older

ones used with the USAF's SUU-30 and the Navy's Mk 20, were the most difficult weapons to

dispose of after the end of the 1991 Gulf War.

M129 Cluster Bomb

The M129 cluster is used to deliver propaganda leaflets. Shaped generally like the

M117 750-pound class bomb, but constructed of fiberglass reinforced plastic, it weighs 92

pounds empty and about 200 loaded. It splits longitudinally to dispense about 30,000 5-in

x 7-in leaflets. Painted overall olive drab, the M129 is currently qualified for use with

the B-52 and F-16. During Desert Storm, two M129s were mixed into loads of M117 bombs

dropped by B-52Gs. Sixteen were also dropped over Baghdad by a four-ship of F-16s on 26

February 1991.

Mk 20 Rockeye II Cluster Bombs

The Mk 7 dispenser was the basis of most Navy cluster bombs from Vietnam well into

the 1990s. The $3,400 Mk 20 ' Rockeye II ' anti-armor weapon was the most widely used

version of the Mk 7. Developed by the Naval Weapons Center and adopted by the Air Force,

this subsonic-delivery dispenser first entered service in 1968 and was used extensively

during both Vietnam and Desert Storm. This was the ONLY cluster bomb to bear the title

'Rockeye II'. (The USAF's CBU-87 was often mistakenly identified as Rockeye II during

Desert Storm, but is a completely different weapon. The Mk 12 ' Rockeye I ' was a

pre-Vietnam developmental 750-pound dispenser containing 96 anti-armor bomblets that

wasn't produced.) Rockeye has been widely exported and used on all USAF combat aircraft

except the B-1, B-2 and F-117. Although many later Navy versions of Rockeye were thermal

protected for increased safety in case of a fire during carrier-based operations, non of

the versions used by the Air Force have this feature.

The Rockeye II's Mk 118 shaped-charge bomblets look very much like throwing darts

and are designed to be effective against both tanks and ships. The detonation of each

bomblet focuses a slug of copper against the point of impact with a force of 250,000 psi.

All versions of Rockeye use the Mk 118 Mod 0 bomblet except for the Mk 20 Mod 4, which

uses the Mod 1. The only difference between the two bomblets is that the Mk 118 Mod 0

requires 1.2 seconds to arm after being dispensed, while the Mk 118 Mod 1 only takes 0.5

seconds, allowing it to be used from the lower altitudes expected to be encountered in

combat against the now defunct Warsaw Pact.

The Mk 20 Mod 0 and Mk 20 Mod 1 were probably preliminary designs, but never

entered production. The Mk 20 Mod 2 was used by both the Navy and Air Force and was the

only Rockeye II lacking a fuze timer setting observation window for its Mk 339 Mod 0

fuze. It was also unique in having only a single fuze arming wire, which meant only the

4.0-second timer would function unless the fuze was manually reset to 1.2 seconds on the

ground. Finally, it was also the only version to use a hat box-shaped fuze cover on the

ground. Distinctive markings were a single three-inch wide, FSN 23538 or 33538 yellow

band, centered 102 inches aft of the nose fairing joint. Early production USAF Mk 20 Mod

2 bombs were overall FSN 24084 olive drab, while all subsequent Rockeye IIs were FSN

27875 white, with all having a 0.5-inch FSN 23638 or 33538 yellow semi-band over the top

half of the weapon to mark the center of balance.

The Mk 20 Mod 3 (Mk 7 Mod 3) was also used by both services. It incorporated a fuze

timer setting observation window, two access holes on the lower nose fairing, dual arming

wires (enabling in-flight selection of either fuze setting), a streamlined fuze cover,

and could use either the Mk 339 Mod 0 or Mod 1 fuzes. The single 'live' band was shifted

to 14.5 inches aft of the nose fairing joint.

The Mk 20 Mod 4 (Mk 7 Mod 4) was the primary (and last) version used by the USAF

and had several unique features. Aside from using the already mentioned Mk 118 Mod 1

bomblet, the Mod 4 had two sets of 14-in suspension lug wells, a longer fin release wire

and conduit, with additional cutouts in the conduit. It was also used by the USAF as the

basis of the canceled GBU-1 LGB. Mod 4s were fitted with either the Mk 339 Mod 0 or Mod 1

fuzes. The 'live' band on these weapons was centered 11 inches aft of the nose fairing

joint.

Mk 7, SUU-58, SUU-75, and SUU-76 Cluster Bomb Summary

Bomb Dispenser Sub-munitions Remarks Weight

Mk 20 Mod 2 Mk 7 Mod 2 247 Mk 118 Mod 0 490 lb.

Mk 20 Mod 3 Mk 7 Mod 3 inflight fuzing option

Mk 20 Mod 4 Mk 7 Mod 4 247 Mk 118 Mod 1 primary USAF version 496 lb.

SUU-30 Cluster Bombs

Developed during the Vietnam War, the SUU-30 family has been qualified for use by

all present USAF combat aircraft up to the newer B-1, B-2 and F-117, and widely exported.

Nine different versions of the subsonic dispenser were developed, but only five were

actually produced. The original SUU-30/B was a redesign of the Navy's Mk 5 ' Sadeye '

dispenser that reduced the size of latter's fins enough to permit carriage on MERs and

TERs. The SUU-30/B(Mod) and SUU-30A/B featured a modified fin assembly, with fintip

plates aligned with the air flow. The SUU-30C/B was externally identical to the

SUU-30A/B, but featured some internal structural modifications. All of these SUU-30s were

FSN 34087 olive drab with an 8-in (20-cm) diameter, 3-in (7.6-cm) wide FSN 33538 yellow

band around the nose.

The SUU-30B/B was a complete redesign which resulted in a blunter nose to the

dispenser. The SUU-30D/B through SUU-30G/B were used to test various fin configurations,

but were not produced. The final SUU-30H/B configuration had drag plates attached to the

trailing edges of the fins to stabilize the weapon during its separation from the

aircraft. This was the final SUU-30 produced, and the only one used after the Vietnam

War. These SUU-30s are FSN 34087 olive drab with a 0.5-in (1.3-cm) wide FSN 33538 yellow

band around the front of the cylindrical portion of the dispenser.

Operational SUU-30H/B cluster bombs are filled with spherical bomblets with

sharp-edged ridges called 'flutes' on their exteriors. These cause the bomblets to

spin-arm and self-disperse. The BLU-61A/B is a grapefruit-sized fragmentation bomblet

that weighs about 3 lb and detonates on impact. The BLU-63/B bomblet is similar in

function, but is only orange-sized, weighing about 1 lb, with the BLU-63A/B having an

additional incendiary capability. The BLU-86/B is functionally identical to BLU-63/B

except that it features a random time delay fuze.

SUU-30H/B Cluster Bomb Summary

Bomb Dispenser Sub-munitions Remarks Weight

CBU-52B/B 217 BLU-61A/B $1,500 fragmentation 790 lb.

CBU-58/B 650 BLU-63/B $2,900 frag/incendiary 810 lb.

CBU-58A/B SUU-30H/B 650 BLU-63A/B 820 lb.

CBU-71/B 650 BLU-86/B $2,000 frag/incendiary mine 810 lb.

CBU-71A/B 650 BLU-86A/B 820 lb.

SUU-64/65/66 Cluster Bombs

The Honeywell tactical munitions dispenser (TMD) was developed by the USAF in the

1980s to replace the Vietnam-era SUU-30 and Mk 7 dispensers. Managed by Odgen ALC, both

the CEM and Gator TMD-based munitions were widely used in the 1991 Gulf War. All TMD

dispensers are capable of carriage and release speeds of 700 kt IAS/Mach 1.4. They used

the FZU-39 airburst fuze, which can be set to function at any of 12 altitudes between 300

and 3,000 ft (91 and 914 m) AGL. There are two basic versions of the TMD: the

non-spinning SUU-64 and -66 and the spinning SUU-65. The $6,000 SUU-65 dispenser's fins

unfold after release and cant to spin it to a preselected rate before opening, permitting

ideal bomblet dispersion, even when released from very low altitudes. It can be

distinguished from the very similar $4,600 SUU-64 and SUU-66 by the large crossbar at the

back of its fin assembly.

The $14,000 Aerojet General CBU-87/B combined effects munition (CEM) uses the

SUU-65 TMD to dispense over 200 CEM bomblets. The CBU-87/B was rapidly qualified on

British Jaguars during the 1991 Gulf War when their low-altitude BL.755 cluster bombs

proved unusable for the high-altitude delivery tactics adopted. The CBU-87A/B features a

factory-installed FZU-39/B fuze. The otherwise identical CBU-87B/B uses the BLU-97A/B

bomblet. The change to the FZU-39(D-4)/B fuze results in the CBU-87C/B. Honeywell was the

second source contractor for CEM.

Similar in size and shape to a beer can, the 3.4-lb BLU-97/B bomblet is stabilized

by a tail-mounted ballute. It features an anti-material shape charge in the nose along

with a body that explodes into anti-personnel and incendiary fragments. Because these

bomblets suffered airburst malfunctions after being dispensed, a change from

piezo-electric to mechanical firing mechanisms was made, resulting in the BLU-97A/B.

The $40,000 Aerojet General/Honeywell CBU-89/B ' Gator ' uses the SUU-65 to deliver

a combination of BLU-91 and BLU-92 mines. The CBU-89A/B features a factory-installed

FZU-39/B fuze.

Honeywell's $265 BLU-91/B anti-personnel mine weighs 3.75 lb and deploys trip wires

that detonate it when they are disturbed. Aerojet General's $613 BLU-92/B anti-tank mine

weighs 4.31 lb and senses magnetic disturbances to determine when and where to fire its

self-forging warhead at passing tanks. Both mines eventually self-destruct. (US Army

designations for these mines are XM74 and XM75, respectively.)

The Textron Defense Systems CBU-97 sensor fuzed weapon (SFW) entered low-rate

initial production (LRIP) in mid-1992. In tests against formations of armored vehicles,

kill rates of over 2.5 tanks per CBU-97 dropped have been demonstrated. SFW's ability to

kill multiple targets per pass became crucial as the size of the fighter force shrank,

leading to its identification as one of the four 'pillars' for halting a regional attack

(along with the C-17, E-8 J-STARS, and military equipment prepositioning). Consideration

has also been given to using the BLU-108 with the AGM-86C and BGM-109 cruise missiles.

Initial plans had been to build 20,000 SFWs, but budget cuts dropped this to only 5,000.

Originally expected to cost $186,000 per weapon, manufacturing improvements subsequently

reduced this by as much as $72,000. Built at the Kansas Army Ammunition Plant in Parsons,

Kansas, LRIP weapons were delivered in 1993, followed by the production versions in April

1994.

Each CBU-97 spreads 10 BLU-108/B orientation and stabilization devices (OSD) over

an area of 1,200 x 600 ft (365 x 183 m). Each OSD descends by parachute until properly

aligned above the target area as it extends four 'skeet' explosively forged penetrator

anti-armor sub-munitions from its body. As they deploy from the OSD, each skeet actively

searches for targets with a passive, two-color infra-red sensor. When targets are

detected, the parachute is released and a rocket fires to spin the OSD, stopping its

descent and flinging the skeets along a horizontal trajectory. When positioned over a

target the skeet explodes, transforming a flat 5.25-in (13.3-cm) diameter copper plate

into a 6,000 ft (1,828 m) per second kinetic energy projectile directed at the target.

The direction of this 1-lb slug is controlled within the sensor's 0.5 degree field of

view so as to penetrate reactive and/or main battle tank armor, destroying the interior

of the tank and killing its crew.

By the spring of 1994, with about 100,000 TMDs of all versions in existence, plans

were announced to buy about 40,000 inertial guidance kits to provide 'PGM-like' accuracy

from delivery altitudes as high as 40,000 ft (12,192 m). The wind corrected munitions

dispenser (WCMD) will correct ballistic and wind errors with a combination of a processor

to accept target data, pop-out, moving tail fins and actuators, and nose ballast to

maintain weapon CG limits. Each kit is expected to cost $20,000-$30,000. This

modification will primarily be applied to the CBU-97 SFW, with funding beginning in FY96.

While initial plans focus on use of the 8-nm (14.7-km) range WCMD with the B-1B and B-2A,

any aircraft fitted with a 1760 databus will be capable of employing it, including the

F-15E and Block 50/52 F-16C/D. Initial plans called for WCMD to become operational with

the bombers at about the turn of the century. By mid-1994, consideration was also being

given to equipping the WCMD with 'Kit 2' carbon fiber warheads, like those used by

BGM-109s during the 1991 Gulf War.

The TMD-based CBU-98 direct airfield attack combined munition (DAACM) contained a

mix of BLU-106 boosted kinetic energy penetrators (BKEP) and HB.876 area denial mines.

The 5.5-lb Hunting HB.876 is used as part of the British JP.233 anti-runway munition used

successfully by British and Saudi Tornado GR.Mk 1s during the 1991 Gulf War. The $1,200

mine has a ring of curled springs legs around its base which help rotate it to an upright

position after landing. It then sits, waiting to greet a disturbance with a detonation.

After a preset interval, the HB.876 self-destructs. The 45-lb Textron Defense Systems

BLU-106 was similar in concept to many other runway penetrator munitions in that it was

parachute retarded long enough to point it earthward before its rocket motor fired,

driving beneath the runway where it exploded, heaving the runway upward. At least, that

is how the $5,100-class submunition was supposed to work. Textron was never able to make

the BLU-106 work reliably and, with the end of the Cold War, the need for

runway-cratering munitions that required manned overflight of a highly defended airfield

disappeared, as did the $119,000 CBU-98.

TMD Cluster Bomb Summary

Bomb Dispenser Sub-munitions Type Weight

CBU-87/B 202 BLU-97/B CEM w/field-installed FZU-39/B

CBU-87A/B SUU-65/B 202 BLU-97/B CEM w/pre-installed FZU-39/B

CBU-87A/B w/improved BLU-97

CBU-87B/B 202 BLU-97A/B CBU-87A/B w/FZU-39(D-4)/B 960 lb.

CBU-87C/B 202 BLU-97A/B

CBU-89/B 72 BLU-91/B Gator anti-personnel and anti-tank mines

SUU-64/B 22 BLU-92/B 710 lb.

CBU-89A/B 72 BLU-91/B Gator w/pre-installed FZU-39/B

22 BLU-92/B

CBU-97/B SUU-66/B 10 BLU-108/B SFW anti-armor 927 lb.

CBU-98/B SUU-64/B 8 BLU-106/B BKEP anti-runway munition 1,039 lb.

24 HB.876 JP.233 area denial mine

Cluster Bomb Fuzing

Once again, fuzing is of critical importance. Two types can be used, time delay and

proximity. A time delay fuze is set on the ground, and requires bomb release at a

specific altitude and airspeed to produce optimum bomblet dispersion. Proximity fuzing

uses a radar in the fuze to sense height above the ground, providing much greater

latitude in delivery parameters. All CBU fuzes are nose-mounted and serve to split open

the dispenser, releasing its payload.

USAF Cluster Bomb Fuzes

Fuze Type Remarks

FMU-56 proximity SUU-30H

FMU-107 timer M129 (also called AN-M147A1)

FMU-110 proximity SUU-30H

FZU-39 proximity SUU-30H, -64, -65, and -66

M909 timer M129

Mk 339 timer SUU-30H, M129, and Mk 20



General Purpose Bombs

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General-Purpose Bombs

General-purpose (GP) bombs are the most commonly used weapons of aerial warfare.

They are inexpensive, easy to produce, and have numerous applications, including

providing the warhead for many precision-guided munitions (PGM s). All bombs weighing

less than 2,000 lb have suspension lugs spaced 14 in (35 cm) apart; those weighing more

use 30-in (76-cm) spacing. Odgen ALC manages all USAF conventional bombs, which are built

at plants located in McAlester, Oklahoma and Crain, Indiana.

The Mk 80 series bombs, with an explosive content of roughly 50 per cent, are based

on studies done by Douglas Aircraft in 1946. Production began during the Korean conflict,

although they did not actually see service until Vietnam. The 250-lb Mk 81 was found to

be ineffective during Vietnam and its use was discontinued. Use of the 1000-lb Mk 83 was

discontinued by the USAF after limited use during Vietnam, although it will apparently be

used again for JDAM weapons for the F-22. The Tritonal-filled 500-lb Mk 82 and 2,000-lb

Mk 84 bombs are the mainstays of USAF weaponry and have been widely exported. Live USAF

warheads and fins are painted FSN 34087 olive drab with a single 3-in (7.6-cm) FSN 33538

yellow band around the nose. Inert warheads have a non-explosive filler and either

substitute a FSN 35109 blue band for the yellow, or are painted overall blue.

The visually distinguishing characteristic of naval GP bombs is their very rough

thermal protective (TP) coating. This was developed after several tragic shipboard fires

during the Vietnam War, to make bombs burn in a fire instead of exploding. During the

early 1990s, when the Navy switched its filler from H-6 to PBXN-109, its Mk 80-series

casings received new designations: BLU-110 for the Mk 83, BLU-111 for the Mk 82, and

BLU-112 for the Mk 84. The Air Force only uses non-thermally protected (NTP) bombs.

The most common fin fitted to GP bombs is the low-drag, general-purpose (LDGP) fin,

also referred to interchangeably as the conical fin assembly (CFA). Initial CFAs did not

have independent designations, and were simply referred to using the bomb designation

(e.g., Mk 82 conical fin). Bombs fitted with this kind of fin are commonly called

'slicks'.

There are also a number of fins that can be configured so as to either deploy or

not deploy their retarding fins. If not deployed, they have ballistics virtually

identical to CFA bombs. Because of this, both the CFA and non-retarding retard finned

bombs are referred to as low-drag (LD) bombs, while bombs using their retarding devices

are referred to as high-drag (HD) bombs. High-drag bombs loaded in weapon bays of B-52s

and B-1Bs have a MAU-111 strap that unwraps from around the bomb body as it falls,

delaying fin opening until the weapon is well clear of the aircraft.

Mk 82

All 500-lb class Mk 82 warheads have an exposed length of 71 in (180 cm) (not

including fuze or nose plug) and are 13.9 in (35 cm) in diameter. The Mk 82 Mod 0 was an

NTP warhead constructed from welded pipe. It featured an electrical fuze charging well

and a single hoisting/suspension lug located between two 14-in (35-cm) suspension lugs.

The main changes to the Mk 82 Mod 1 warhead, introduced on 4 January 1955, were the

switch to seamless tubing construction and the elimination of the single

hoisting/suspension lug. The Navy's Mk 82 Mod 2 was probably introduced in 1973 and is

thermally protected. Neither the NTP Mk 82 Mod 3 nor the TP Mk 82 Mod 4 were produced.

These warheads featured internal scoring to increase fragmentation effects. Mk 82s cost

about $500.

The Air Force uses the inert BDU-50 to simulate the Mk 82. These practice bombs

have no internal plumbing for fuzes. There are two versions: the BDU-50/B can only be

configured with tail fins, while the BDU-50A/B can also be fitted with LGB guidance kits.

There are three operational Mk 82 conical fin designs, only two of which are used

by the Air Force. The 22-pound Mk 82 Mod 1 has a 1.5 degree fin cant to spin-stabilize

the bomb and several doors and panels to allow access to tail fuzes. This fin is 26 in

(66 cm) long and has 15-in (38-cm) span fins. Like the Mk 82 CFA, the 27-lb MAU-93/B

attaches to the bomb with six set screws. However, it is 43 in (109 cm) long and has a

19.6-in (50-cm) fin span. The Navy's BSU-33 was developed during the late 1980s. The same

length as the Mk 82 CFA, this FSN 35376 gray fin adds 2.5 degree metal wedges to the left

rear corner of each fin to increase spin rate.

The 60-lb Mk 15 Mod 0 Snakeye retarding fin was adopted for use in April 1964. The

Mk 15 Mod 1 was introduced in April 1967, and the Mk 15 Mod 2 in December 1967. The Mk 15

Mod 3 was introduced in April 1970, and was the first version used by the USAF. The other

version used by the Air Force was the Mk 15 Mod 4, which was introduced in November 1971.

The Navy's 66-lb Mk 15 Mod 5 retained the release band and latching lever which had

previously separated from the bomb to prevent damage to composite aircraft structures.

The Mk 15 Mod 6 refined this design. In late 1987, the Navy introduced the BSU-86 to

replace the Mk 15. These fins are painted FSN 36375 gray.

The main disadvantage to weapons fitted with Snakeye fins was that they forced many

aircraft to slow down to deliver them. The Goodyear Aerospace air-inflatable retard (AIR)

fins allow Mk 80 series warheads to be released at much higher airspeeds than were

possible with Snakeyes. The Mk 82 AIR is often referred by its $600, 55-lb fin's

designation: BSU-49. The Navy's Mk 16 uses the BSU-49 shell with a parachute replacing

the ballute and is used with mines.

Mk 84

All 2,000-lb class Mk 84 warheads have an exposed length of 96 in (244 cm) (not

including fuze or nose plug) and are 18 in (46 cm) in diameter. The Mk 84 Mod 0 was an

NTP warhead with an electrical fuze charging well and a single hoisting/suspension lug

located between two 14-in (35-cm) suspension lugs. The first operational bomb, the Mk 84

Mod 1, was introduced in February 1955 and featured 30-in (76-cm) suspension lugs, and

was used extensively in Vietnam. The slightly modified Mk 84 Mod 2 was introduced in

March 1972. The Navy's Mk 84 Mod 3 was introduced in May 1973 and was the first TP Mk 84.

The NTP Mk 84 Mod 4 is the current version used by the Air Force. It was introduced in

August 1974 and eliminated the single hoisting/suspension lug. The Navy's Mk 84 Mod 5 was

a TP version of the Mod 4 and was introduced in May 1979. The NTP Mk 84 Mod 6 and TP Mk

84 Mod 7 were introduced in April 1989 and had their fuze arming wells relocated for

compatibility with F/A-18 bomb racks. Inert Mk 84 s have no unique designation and are

simply normal casings with non-explosive filler. Mk 84s cost about $1,900.

The original Mk 84 Mod 0 conical fin had a 25.3-in (64-cm) fin span, was 53 in (135

cm) long and could be distinguished by its rounded cap behind the fins that did not allow

access to tail fuzing. The 114-lb production fin, the Mk 84 Mod 1, has several doors and

panels to allow access to tail fuzes, a 2 degree fin cant to spin-stabilize the bomb, and

deletion of the rounded tail cap that shortens its length to 49 in (124 cm).

The USAF's Mk 84 AIR uses the 97-lb BSU-50 fin. Designed primarily for the F-111,

its release speed is so high that the Navy did not acquire it. During Desert Storm, the

Navy decided it had a requirement for a retarded Mk 84 and authorized the 87-lb Mk 11

parachute fin for overland use, a function it already filled for underwater mining

operations.

M117

While the Vietnam-era Mk 80-series bombs had Navy designations, the Korean-vintage

750-lb M117 has a US Army Air Force designation. Originally classed as a demolition bomb

because its explosive content was about 65 per cent, it was widely used in Vietnam.

Subsequently, the $500 M117 has only been used by the B-52. Developed as the T54, the

original Minol-filled version was designated M117. The M117A1 deleted the single

suspension lug, and was followed by the Minol II-filled M117A2. The M117A3 was filled

with Tritonal. The M117A1E1 was an A2 that could be filled with either Tritonal or Minol

II. The M117A1E2 was an A1 filled with Minol II, and the final version was the M117A1E3,

a modified A1E1 filled with Tritonal. M117s were exported, especially to Israel, which

used them frequently with F-4s during the Yom Kippur War of October 1973.

Originally, low-drag M117s were fitted with 52-lb M131 conical fins that were 49 in

(124 cm) long with a 23-in (58-cm) fin span. In the early 1970s, the 64-lb MAU-103/B

conical fin was introduced, featuring strakes, a 50-in (127-cm) length, and a 19-in

(48-cm) fin span. A modified version of this fin, the MAU-103A/B increased fin-span to 22

in (56 cm). The high-drag bomb, commonly known as the M117R, used the 117-lb MAU-91A/B

and MAU-91B/B 'Snakeye'-type fins through the 1991 Gulf War. These 22-in (56-cm) span

fins are 48 in (122 cm) long and have minor differences in their fin latching mechanisms.

The M117 AIR was adopted after the Gulf War and uses the 95-lb BSU-93/B ballute fin, with

a 20-in (50-cm) fin span and a 40-in (101-cm) length.

The MC-1 is a M117 case filled with 24 US gal (90 liters) of the lethal nerve gas

Sarin (GB). It is fitted with bursters to rupture it on impact, dispersing its contents.

Unlike normal bombs, this chemical bomb is painted medium gray, with a green nose band.

The USAF adopted the 450-lb French Durandal for use by F-111s as the BLU-107 runway

denial weapon. Its delivery requires a non-maneuvering, level flight path at low altitude

across the targeta highly defended runway. The $43,000 penetrator consists of a warhead,

rocket motor and parachute. Designed for carriage on BRU-3 bomb racks, an aerodynamic

fairing is installed over the nose of BLU-107s carried on the front stations, while the

blunt, penetrator nose is exposed on the aft weapons. When released, a braking chute

extracts the main parachute and then drops away. The main chute slows the weapon and

points it at the ground. When the proper downward angle is achieved, the main chute is

released and the rocket motor fires the warhead through up to 16 in (40 cm) of

unreinforced concrete. After it penetrates beneath the runway, a delay fuze detonates the

33-lb warhead, heaving the runway surface upward, thus making it unusable.

French Jaguar As actually dropped Durandels on the first day of the Gulf War.

F-111Fs attacked the vast Iraqi airfields repeatedly, using LGBs almost exclusively. They

had great success in making the runways and taxiways unusable by detonating 2,000-lb LGBs

at their intersections from an altitude safe from ground fire.

BLU-109

The success of the Israeli air force in destroying the Arab air forces on the

ground during the opening minutes of the 1967 Six Day War prompted the major tactical air

forces on both sides of the Iron Curtain to spend billions of dollars on hardened

aircraft shelters (HAS s). These shelters were impervious to most GP bombs. Naturally,

the need arose for a bomb capable of penetrating HASs and other hardened facilities. The

answer to this requirement is built by Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. and is commonly

referred to as the improved 2,000-lb bomb, or I-2000, although its actual designation is

BLU-109. To prevent it from breaking up before it penetrates the hardened exterior of its

target, the BLU-109 has an explosive content of only 25 per cent. The rear of the bomb is

flared slightly so as to be compatible with any Mk 84 fin group. Since all of its targets

require precise aiming, BLU-109s are only used as part of a PGM, although some were

tested with conical fins when carried by F-16 test aircraft. Versions include the Air

Force's BLU-109/B and the Navy's thermal protected BLU-109A/B. Including an FMU-143 fuze,

each BLU-109 costs about $12,500.

BLU-113

The ultimate penetration warhead, the Lockheed BLU-113/B, was developed, produced,

deployed and used in combat in only 17 days. Used for the 4,700-lb GBU-28/B 'Deep Throat'

bombs, they were machined from spare 8-in howitzer barrels to resemble very long

BLU-109s, but with an explosive content of only 15 per cent. Published reports indicate

the bomb was dropped from relatively high altitude, maximizing both its kinetic energy

(five times that of the GBU-24/27) and impact angle, enabling it to penetrate over 100 ft

(30 m) of earth or 20 ft (6 m) of concrete to destroy command bunkers thought safe from

all but nuclear attack.

General-Purpose Bomb Fuzes

Often overlooked, the different fuzes used with GP bombs are absolutely crucial to

inflicting the desired damage to a given target. The most easily identified of all nose

fuzes was the M1A1, commonly known by the term 'daisy cutter'. Developed during Vietnam

as a kind of poor man's proximity fuze, it was nothing more than a length of

explosive-filled pipe with an M904 fuze on the end (usually 36 in long, but also

available in 18- and 24-in lengths). This allowed the bomb to explode before it buried

itself in the soft soil of Vietnam, thus increasing its blast effect.

Mechanical fuzes are identifiable visually by their distinctive vanes or the M905's

ATU-35 anemometer. Most electrical fuzes are cylindrical devices hidden by either a nose

plug or the fin assembly. The FMU-113 proximity fuze is easily identifiable by its black,

hemispherical radome.

General-Purpose Bomb Fuzes

Fuze Location Type Function Uses

FMU-26B/B nose/tail inst. or short delay Mk 82, 84, M117 (LD only)

FMU-54 tail inst. Mk 82, 84, M117 (HD only)

FMU-72 nose/tail elect. long delay Mk 82, 84, M117 (LD only)

FMU-139 nose/tail inst. or short delay Mk 82, 84, M117

FMU-143 tail inst. BLU-109, -113

FMU-113 nose elect. proximity Mk 82, 84, M117 (LD only)

M904E2/3 nose mech. inst. or short delay Mk 82, 84, M117

M905/ATU-35 tail mech. inst. or short delay Mk 82, 84, M117 (LD only)

Blast Bomb

Used in Vietnam to clear helicopter landing zones and in Iraq to detonate

minefields, the 15,000-lb class BLU-82 blast bomb was the largest bomb in the Air Force

arsenal by 1990. During the 1991 Gulf War it was delivered only by MC-130Es, shoved out

the cargo door strapped to a cargo pallet. The bomb's descent was slowed and stabilized

by parachutes, and was detonated by a 4-ft long 'daisy cutter', to ensure an above-ground

explosion and maximize blast and fragmentation effects. The explosive content of the

BLU-82 was about 80 per cent.

Nuclear Bombs

All modern US nuclear bombs are thermonuclear (i.e. hydrogen bombs). Delivery

options are dependent on the bomb/aircraft combination and the type of target destruction

required. All have incorporated parachutes as a standard feature to assist in level

weapon delivery and aircraft escape. While there may be several variants to a given

weapon, only the basic designations are presented here. The weapons are sometimes

referred to by the term 'Mk' instead of 'B'. In line with a change in US policy announced

in September 1991, all tactical nuclear weapons were removed from USN ships and stood

down from alert at USAF bomber bases. No one is happier about that than the crews who

were charged with their care and delivery. By the mid-1990s, while B61 and B83 weapons

remain in the inventory, the capability to quickly mount a massive nuclear strike with

manned aircraft that existed prior to 1990 had virtually evaporated.

Design work on the B28 family of nuclear weapons began in 1954, and they remained

in service until about 1990. A modular design, it was produced as five different types of

bombs and was also used as a warhead on the MGM-13 'Mace' and AGM-28 'Hound Dog'

missiles. Five yields were available, ranging from 70 kT to 1.45 mT, with the tactical

versions having the lower values. Yield of these weapons could not be adjusted in the

field. The B28EX (for 'external' carriage) had a streamlined shape and four tail fins,

but was not equipped with a retarding parachute; it had ground and airburst options.

Several training versions existed, including the BDU-10 and Mk 104 ballistic shapes as

well as the MD-6 and BDU-26 load trainers. The B28RE (for 'retarded, external' carriage)

also had a streamlined shape, but it only had three fins, which were mounted well forward

of the tail. It also had ground and airburst options, but could be delivered from low

altitude. Its ballistic shape was the BDU-4.

The B43 program began in 1955, with the weapons remaining in service until about

1990. A total of five yields were available, with the largest about one megaton; the

yields could not be adjusted in the field. There were two versions designed for external

carriage. B43-0 could only be used for parachute-retarded laydown deliveries. It had a

steel nose spike covered by an aerodynamic nosecone. After the bomb separated from the

aircraft, the nosecone was jettisoned and the spike enabled the bomb to penetrate hard

targets and be held in place for several seconds (to allow the aircraft to escape) before

detonating. The B43-1 was a multi-purpose weapon with a longer nose, which contained a

fuzing radar. It could be used with freefall airburst, retarded airburst (with or without

a ground burst backup), or retarded laydown. Several training versions existed, including

the BDU-18 (freefall) and BDU-8 (retarded) ballistic shapes, as well as the BDU-6 / 24 /

35 load trainers. B43s were carried externally by the A-4, A-6, A-7, B-58, FB-111, F-100,

F-104, F-105 and F-111. They were painted gloss white with chocolate brown radomes.

The B53 was based on the warhead used by the Titan II missile. It was recalled into

the inventory for use by B-52s pending arrival of the B83 weapon. It was targeted against

deeply buried Soviet command centers and submarine pens. While it had freefall and

parachute-retarded airburst options, it would normally use a laydown (delayed surface

burst) or immediate contact (surface) burst. The BDU-13 was its ballistic shape, while

the BDU-9 was its load trainer.

The B57 was designed as a nuclear depth charge, but was later adopted for use as a

low-yield tactical nuclear weapon. Nicknamed the 'Dr Pepper' bomb (after the American

soft drink), its delivery options included laydown, and toss (sometimes called loft) with

either air or surface burst. Several training versions existed, including the BDU-12 and

BDU-20 ballistic shapes, as well as the BDU-11 and BDU-19 load trainers. B57s were

carried externally by the A-4, A-6, A-7, FB-111, F-104, F-105, F-111, F-4, F-16 and

F/A-18. B57s were painted in the same manner as B43s.

The B61, in addition to its strategic use, was the most commonly used weapon by

tactical fighters. Nicknamed the 'Silver Bullet,' because of its shape and color, it gave

a whole new meaning to the claim by an American beer that, 'Silver Bullets won't slow you

down!' Delivery options included freefall or retarded airburst, laydown, and toss (with

either air or surface burst). Several training versions existed, including the BDU-38

ballistic shape, as well as the BDU-36 and BDU-39 load trainers. B61s were carried

externally by the A-4, A-6, A-7, FB-111, F-104, F-105, F-111, F-4, F-16 and F/A-18.

The B83 is designed for attacking hardened strategic targets such as command

bunkers, and nuclear weapon storage sites. It has freefall and retarded airburst, as well

as surface burst and laydown delivery options. Although tested on F-111s, it was probably

only operational with B-2As and B-52Hs (and B-1Bs until they were dedicated to

conventional missions in the mid-1990s).

The B90 was designed to replace the B57 and B61 for use by Navy A-6E, A-7E, F/A-18,

S-3A/B and P-3C. It weighed about 760 lb, was 117 in (297 cm) long and 13 in (33 cm) in

diameter. Flight testing began in mid-1989, with initial drop testing beginning in early

1990. The program was canceled following the change in US nuclear policy in September

1991.

Nuclear Weapons Used By US Aircraft

Bomb Years Weight Quan Aircraft

Mk I 45-51 8,900 5 B-29 (Little Boy)

Mk III 47-50 10,300 120 B-29, B-50 (Fat Man)

Mk 4 49-53 10,900 550 B-29, B-36, B-50, AJ-1, AJ-2

Mk 5 52-63 3,175 140 B-29, B-36, B-45, B-47, B-50, B-52, B-66B,

AJ-1, AJ-2

Mk 6 51-62 8,500 1,100 B-29, B-36, B-47, B-50, B-52, AJ-1, AJ-2

Mk 7 52-67 1,700 470 AJ-1, AJ-2, AD-4, AD-5, AD-6, AD-7, A2D, A4D-1,

B-45, B-57B, B-57C, F-84E, F-84F, F-84G,

F-100D, F-100F, F-101A, F-101C, F2H-2B, FJ-4B

Mk 8 52-57 3,250 40 AJ-1, AJ-2, AD-4, A2D, A4D-1, B-45, B-47,

F-84E, F-84F, F-84G, F2H-2B, FJ-4B

Mk 11 56-60 3,500 40 AJ-1, AJ-2, AD-4, AD-7, A2D, A4D-1, B-45, B-47,

(Mk 91) F-84E, F-84F, F-84G, F2H-2B, FJ-4B

Mk 12 54-62 1,100 250 AJ-1, AJ-2, AD-4, AD-7, A2D, A4D-1, B-45,

F-84E, F-84F, F-84G, F-86F, F-86H, F9F-8B,

F2H-2B, FJ-4B

Mk 14 54-54 29,850 5 B-36 (First H-bomb)

Mk 15 55-65 7,600 1,200 B-47B, B-47E, B-52

Mk 17 54-57 42,000 200 B-36

Mk 18 53-56 9,000 90 B-36, B-47

Mk 21 55-57 15,000 275 B-36, B-47

Mk 24 54-56 42,000 105 B-36

Mk 27 58-64 3,150 700 A3D, A3J

B28EX 58-8? 2,040 A-6, F-100D, F-100F, F-101A, F-101C, F104A,

F-104C, F-4

B28IN 58-80 1,980 A3J, B-47B, B-47E, B-52, B-66B, F-105B, F-105D

B28RE 59-90 2,170 4,500 A-6, F-100D, F-100F, F104A, F-104C

B28RI 60-80 2,320 B-47B, B-47E, B-52

B28FI 62-90 2,320 B-52

Mk 105 58-77 1,500 600 USN (W34 Hotpoint)

Mk 36 56-62 17,500 940 B-47B, B-47E, B-52

Mk 39 57-66 10,000 700 B-47B, B-47E, B-52, B-58 (pod)

Mk 41 60-76 10,000 500 B-47B, B-47E, B-52

B43-0 61-76 1,000 2,060 A-4, A-6, A-7, B-47B, B-47E, B-52, B-58,

F-100D, F-100F, F104A, F-104C, F-4

B43-1 62-90 2,125 F-100D, F-100F, F-101A, F-101C, F104A, F-104C,

FB-111, F-111, F-4

Mk 53 62- 8,850 340 B-47B, B-47E, B-52, B-58 (pod), B-70

B57 63- 510 3,100 A-4, A-6, A-7, F-100D, F-100F, F-104G, F-105B,

F-105D, F-111, FB-111, F-4, F/A-18

B61 66- 720 3,150 A-4, A-6, A-7. F-100D, F-100F, F-104G, F-105D,

F-111, FB-111, F-4, F-15, F-16, F/A-18

B83 83- 2,400 1,000 B-52, B-1, B-2

AIR-2 56-84 219 3,150 (W25) F-89J, F-101B

AGM-12D 61-70 150 100 (W45) F-100D, F-100F, F-105D

AIM-26 61-72 50 2,000 (W54) F-89J, F-101B, F-102A, F-106A, F-106B

AGM-28 60-76 1,675 600 (W28) B-52

AGM-62 70-79 300 (W72) F-4

AGM-69 71-91 1,200 (W69) B-52G, B-52H, FB-111A

AGM-86 81- 2,000+ (W80) B-52G, B-52H

AGM-127 91- B-52H



Guided Weapons

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Paveway Laser-Guided Bombs

World War II bombers had a circular error probable (CEP)the radius within which

half of their bombs would fallof 3,300 ft (1,005 m). In practical terms, this meant that

9,000 bombs were required to achieve a 90 per cent likelihood of destroying a 60 100 ft

(18 30 m) building. By Vietnam, only 300 bombs were required. Then came laser-guided

bombs.

Laser guided bombs (LGB s) were arguably the most revolutionary improvement in

bombing accuracy in the history of military aviation. These weapons were eventually

redesignated under the larger GBU class, which also included the other class of 'smart',

unpowered weapons, electro-optical guided bombs. A computer simulation by Texas

Instruments in the early 1970s asserted that a group of 100 targets which would require

21,000 manually aimed bombs or 4,000 continuously computed impact point (CCIP) aimed bombs

would only require 100 LGBs. Although actual performance was not quite as impressive (no

weapon has ever achieved 100 per cent success), actual results from the 1991 Gulf War

proved LGBs to be unsurpassed for destroying point targets. Although the LGBs are more

expensive than unguided bombs, in the more important comparison of 'cost per target

killed' they are far cheaper, both in terms of ordnance expended and crew/aircraft

exposure to enemy defenses.

Operational US Paveway II Laser-Guided Bombs

Bomb CCG Warhead Weight AFG Remarks

GBU-10C/B MAU-169/B WS-2123

GBU-10D/B MAU-169A/B Mk 84 2,083 lb MXU-651/B

GBU-10E/B MAU-169B, C, D, E & F/B

GBU-10F/B MAU-169C/B & D/B

GBU-10G/B MAU-169/B

GBU-10H/B MAU-169A/B BLU-109/B 2,103 lb MXU-651/B 'GBU-10I'

GBU-10J/B MAU-169B & D/B

GBU-12B/B MAU-169/B WS-212D

GBU-12C/B MAU-169A/B Mk 82 611 lb MXU-650/B

GBU-12D/B MAU-169B, C, D, E & F/B

GBU-16/B MAU-169/B

GBU-16A/B MAU-169A/B Mk 83 1,110 lb MXU-667/B USN only

GBU-16B/B MAU-169D, E, & F/B

Paveway II Laser-Guided Bombs

Of all the Paveway I LGBs used in Vietnam, only those based on the Mk 80 series

bombs were retained and improved by the performance enhancement program (PEP). Paveway II

bombs were externally distinguishable from Paveway Is by their 'pop-out' wings which made

handling and carriage easier. Their MAU-169 computer control groups (CCG) differed from

the Paveway I's MAU-157 in its ability to guide on coded laser illumination, thus making

it possible to attack multiple targets simultaneously while reducing the probability of

successful countermeasures. To incorporate this feature, pulse repetition frequency (PRF)

selectors were mounted on the exterior of the CCG. Both Paveway I and II bombs used

'bang-bang' CCGs that utilized full control deflection to alter a bomb's trajectory, thus

shortening its normal ballistic range. For this reason, Paveway I and II bombs were

dropped ballistically, with the laser only being turned on during the last few seconds of

flight to refine the impact point. Paveway II GBU-10s cost $22,000 and GBU-12s $9,000

each.

All operational Paveway II weapons had 1-in (2.5-cm) wide ID stripes on the left

side of their wings (4 in/10 cm long), canards, and CCG (both 3 in/7.6 cm long).These

stripes were yellow for GBU-10s and orange for GBU-12s.

Paveway III Laser-Guided Bombs

Paveway III low-level laser-guided bombs (LLLGB s) use proportional guidance CCGs

to increase both bomb range and accuracy. LLLGB kits were developed for both the 500-lb

GBU-22/B and 2,000-lb GBU-24 bombs but, at a price of $65,000 each, only the latter

generated a performance increase warranting production. The GBU-24/B uses a Mk 84 warhead

while the GBU-24A/B uses the BLU-109/B penetration warhead. The latter warhead requires

the ADU-548 adapter kit with saw-tooth adapters to smooth air flow over the tail section

and a hardback to compensate for the reduced diameter of the BLU-109 warhead. The GBU-27/B

Paveway III bomb is modified to fit within the F-117A weapons bay. It has shorter canards

and Paveway II wings and an adapter collar between the CCG and the warhead shortened from

the GBU-24's 9 in (23 cm) to only 6 in (15 cm).

The GBU-28/B ' Deep Throat ' bomb was developed during the 1991 Gulf War to

implement attacks against several deeply buried bunker complexes in the Baghdad area

containing the main Iraqi command and control facilities. With 20-ft (6-m) reinforced

concrete ceilings buried 100 ft (30 m) in the ground, these bunkers were impervious to

ordinary conventional bombs. Initial discussions about how to attack this class of target

were held in the weeks leading up to the 15 January UN deadline, with the weapon referred

to as the hard target penetrating munition (HTPM). The final Lockheed-proposed design

called for an 8-in (20-cm) howitzer barrel machined to a shape resembling an elongated

BLU-109 and fitted the GBU-27's airfoil group, but with the GBU-24's longer adapter

collar. The final go-ahead to develop the bomb was not granted until 11 February 1991,

three weeks into the air war. Initially, four bombs were constructed, with two used for

testing and the others reserved for combat use. The barrels were taken out of storage at

Watervilet Arsenal in New York, cut and machined to size, fitted with an artillery shell

nose and shipped to Eglin AFB where they were loaded with explosives. Because of their

length, each bomb nose was lowered into a pit and filled with explosive filler by means of

a bucket brigade (after giving the safety officer some Valium).

Meanwhile, an evaluation was carried out to determine which would be the better

delivery vehicle, the F-111F or F-15E. The bomb proved too long for carriage on the

F-15E's centerline station, both because of take-off and landing clearance and loading

requirements. (The GBU-28's suspension lugs are 10 in/25 cm farther forward when used on

the F-15E when compared with the F-111F.) Also, the bomb's requirement for four arming

lanyards to be pulled would have required a computer delivery from the F-15E, which in

turn would have required non-existent ballistics and a risky computer change. The F-111F

could drop the bomb with manual ballistics, but faced a minor problem in that it could

only lower its flaps to 30 degrees (instead of the normal 34 degrees) for take-off while

carrying the bomb. Of greater concern was the F-111F's longer moment arm (the distance

from the aircraft centerline at which the bomb was carried). The bomb was first flown on

an F-15E on Wednesday 20 February (configured with LANTIRN pods, a clean centerline

station, the GBU-28 on left the wing, a Mk 84 LDGP on right winguntil after take-off when

it was jettisonedand shoulder-mounted AIM-9L/Ms), while weather delayed the F-111F flight

until next day. No operationally significant restrictions were found with either airframe

as a result of these flights.

Dropping the GBU-28 required delivery at high subsonic speeds from above 25,000 ft

(7,620 m) to achieve the desired kinetic energy and impact angle. In addition to the

airframe constraints already discussed, the F-15E's LANTIRN pods, designed for use at low

altitude, were not pressurized and would arc if used at high altitude. Also, a second

aircraft was required to lase the target from altitudes compatible with LANTIRN. (Later in

1991, a technique was developed at Eglin to permit F-15E delivery of the GBU-28 using the

computer program in use by aircraft still in Saudi Arabia. It required use of Mk 84

ballistics to establish azimuth aiming, then switching to Mk 20 ballistics to establish

ranging.)

On Friday afternoon, a reluctant decision was made to proceed with the F-111F, and a

test drop was conducted at the Nellis AFB, Nevada range complex on Saturday. The test

dropped was deemed successful, with the bomb burying itself so deep in the ground that it

was never recovered. The final test before use was a sled run at Holloman AFB, New Mexico

to evaluate bomb fuzingthe weapon cleanly punched through a 20-ft (6-m) reinforced

concrete wall and continued another 0.5 mile (0.8 km) before coming to earth. By the time

this happened, the two combat bombs were en route to Taif, Saudi Arabia on a C-141, still

warm to the touch from the freshly poured molten explosive filler. The bombs were airborne

again only four hours after arriving, this time on a one-way trip to Baghdad, arriving

just four hours before the end of the war.

Initially only 30 GBU-28s were procured for use by F-111Fs and F-15Es. In FY94, an

additional 100 'GBU-28 follow-on' bombs were ordered for delivery in FY95 at a unit cost

of about $170,000. These differed from the original weapons in that their software enables

them to be delivered from lower altitudes.

All operational Paveway III weapons had 1-in (2.5-cm) wide ID stripes on the left

side of their wings (3.5 in/8.9 cm long), canards and CCG (both 3 in/7.6 cm long).These

stripes were gray for GBU-24s and green for both the GBU-27 and 28.

The successor to Deep Throat is the Boosted Penetrator. This is projected to be a

2,250 to 3,000-lb bomb fitted with a rocket motor to drive it deep underground. Designed

for internal carriage by B-2As and F-117As, the 116-in (295-cm) long bomb could also be

carried externally by other aircraft, including the F-16 and F/A-18.

US Paveway III Laser-Guided Bombs

Bomb CCG Warhead Weight AFG Remarks

GBU-24/B WGU-12/B Mk 84 2,315 lb BSU-84/B

GBU-24A/B WGU-12B/B BLU-109/B 2,335 lb BSU-84/B

GBU-24B/B WGU-39/B BLU-109A/B 2,392 lb BSU-84/B USN

GBU-27/B WGU-25/B Mk 84 2,150 lb BSU-88/B F-117

GBU-27A/B WGU-25/B BLU-109/B 2,170 lb BSU-88/B F-117

GBU-28/B WGU-36/B BLU-113/B 4,576 lb BSU-92/B

Pave Penny

The AN/AAS-35 Pave Penny target identification set, laser (TISL), is used by the

OA-10A and A-10A, and limited numbers of F-16s. It is a direct descendent of Vietnam-era

Pave Arrow (F-100) and Pave Sword (F-4) programs. Not a designator, this laser detector is

carried on its own pylon from the forward right fuselage of the A-10. It is used to sense

laser energy from ground- or air-based designators reflecting off targets, displaying a

cueing symbol on the HUD to assist the pilot in locating the target. Although this

information could be used for the delivery of laser-guided ordnance, in practice the

targets would normally be attacked with 'dumb' bombs or (in the case of the A-10) gunfire.

Pave Tack

The AN/AVQ-26 Pave Tack pod features all the modes first developed for the

Vietnam-era Pave Knife pod. However, unlike earlier laser designators, Pave Tack is

totally integrated with the host aircraft's avionics system, allowing it to be cued to

where the radar is looking. This capability, in concert with the replacement with an

imaging infra-red sensor of the TV sensors used by earlier designators, enables Pave

Tack-equipped aircraft to autonomously deliver LGBs at night from extremely low altitudes.

Earlier systems had relied heavily on 'buddy' lasing, with one aircraft lasing the target

for others, usually from medium altitudes.

It was originally planned to equip 180 F-4Es and 60 RF-4Cs with Pave Tack. However,

because of a protracted and difficult development program, the actual number was

substantially lower. A practical drawback to using the 1,385-lb pod with the F-4E was its

large size, which required carriage on the centerline station, displacing the 600-US gal

2270-liter) external fuel tank. In the end, Phantom crews referred to the pod as 'Pave

Drag'. About 150 pods were built, and all eventually ended up being used by F-111Fs (and

later Australian F-111Cs). The F-111F community used Pave Tack to great effect during the

1991 Gulf War, using it to deliver the majority of LGBs employed by the USAF against Iraq.

Unlike on the F-4E, the F-111C/F Pave Tack installation mounts the pod on a rotating

cradle in the weapon bay. The outer weapon bay doors have a 'cut out' section towards the

rear, while the inner ones are replaced by the cradle. Although normally installed, the

cradle can be removed and replaced by weapon bay doors in about an hour. Looking forward,

the cradle rotates clockwise to stow the pod and counter clockwise to expose it. The pod

is painted FSN 34087 olive drab with predominately black markings. The FLIR window has a

milky amber color, while the two smaller laser windows are basically clear, but have a

distinct bluish tint.

Paveway Fuze Options

Fuze Location Type Remarks

FMU-81 nose or tail short delay Paveway II & III

FMU-124 nose or tail inst. Paveway II

FMU-139 nose or tail inst. or short delay Paveway II & III

FMU-143 tail inst. or short delay penetration warheads

LANTIRN

Low-Altitude, Navigation and Targeting, Infra-Red, for Night (LANTIRN) emerged from

the 'black' world in late 1979. Named by then commander of Tactical Air Command, General

Wilbur Creech, it was perceived by the Carter administration as a low-cost alternative to

the recently proposed F-15 Strike Eagle, allowing F-16s and A-10s to attack Warsaw Pact

armored formations at night. As originally conceived, LANTIRN was to cost $500,000, be

contained in a single pod and employ a laser radar (LADAR) terrain-following system. Its

targeting FLIR, when coupled with automatic target recognition, promised to make possible

the remarkable performance of automatically launching six Mavericks at separate tanks

within 20 seconds, while distinguishing friend from foe in the process.

Then reality set in. By the time it was fielded, LANTIRN was no longer low cost and

had become an integral part of the F-15E's avionics. Since lasers can not see through

clouds, the first thing to go was the LADAR, being replaced with a single

terrain-following radar (TFR), very similar to what had been used for years by the F-111.

Very early on, it was recognized that there were high and low risk portions to the program

and action was taken to separate these. The TFR was combined with the wide field of view

Navigation FLIR (NavFLIR) to form one pod, while the much more challenging technologies

were merged into a second, Targeting FLIR (TgtFLIR) pod.

The AN/AAQ-13 NavFLIR pod had a reasonably straightforward gestation. To facilitate

low-level flight at night, it overlays cues from the TFR on the FLIR image displayed full

scale on the aircraft's wide field of view (WFOV) HUD. The pilot has the ability to

'snap-look' roughly one FOV left, right, up, or down, with the control switch

spring-loaded to the 'straight ahead' position. The total area available for the pilot to

look at with the FLIR defines its 'field of regard' (FOR). Although the TFR generates

automatic terrain-following commands, integration of these with the older flight control

system of the F-15E proved exceeding difficult, forcing 'Beagle' pilots to focus on the

task of manually flying low level at night like their lives depend on it, which they quite

literally do. Without auto-TFR, the F-15Es are limited to 'under the weather' terrain

following, unlike soon-to-be-discarded F-111s which have routinely flown 'in weather' TFR

since the mid-1960s. The F-16's fly-by-wire flight control system was able to integrate

auto TFR quite easily, but the extra drag created by the LANTIRN pods exacerbate its

already anemic low-altitude range performance.

The AN/AAQ-14 TgtFLIR pod eventually had to settle for less lofty goals than had

been initially set for it. Its target recognition objectives drove a requirement for

enough picture elements, or 'pixels' to define with great certainty not only that it was

looking at a tank, but whose tank, and at a range that would allow a Maverick to be locked

onto and launched at it. The number of pixels that could be packed into a given space were

limited by the size of the pod, and the two requirements drove the field of view

available. The TgtFLIR's very narrow field of view (NFOV) was also expected to

automatically boresight the six Maverick missiles carried on two LAU-88 triple rail

launchers. To overcome a relatively slow gimble rate by the Maverick seekers, and

operating on the presumption that all the targets would be located in relatively close

proximity to one another, the pod would not only direct the first missile's seeker to its

target, but also the second's, so it would be looking close to where it needed to be when

its turn came to locate a target. However, it was soon discovered that just the slop

between the missile and its rail could result in the missile's seeker being outside the

FOV of the TgtFLIR. Add to that the considerable amount of flexing done by the F-16 wing,

and the whole idea began to unravel. Eventually, the pod was accepted without the

auto-recognition feature, which continued in development, although the requirement to

blunt hordes of Red armor faded away with the Cold War. By the time of the Gulf War,

TgtFLIRs had just started to become operational, and had a performance roughly comparable

to the older Pave Tack system used operationally by F-111Fs for 10 years in a package

about one-fourth as heavy.

LANTIRN Pod Characteristics

Pod Length Diameter Weight Viewing Areas

AN/AAQ-13 72.0 in 14 in 450 lb 21 28 deg. FOV 77 84 deg. FOR

AN/AAQ-14 98.5 in 15 in 530 lb 6 6 deg. WFOV 1.7 1.7 deg. NFOV

Modular Guided-Weapon System

The GBU-15 modular guided-weapon system (MGWS) bomb family was initially called

EOGB-II. Originally there were to be many versions, using both the Mk 84 bomb and SUU-54

dispenser. Two types of wings were designed: a cruciform wing (CW) for short-range bombs

and a planar wing (PW) for long range. The former were known as modular guided glide bombs

(MGGB, and later MGGB-I), and the latter as MGGB-II or the extended range version

(MGGB-ERV). The GBU-15 CW weapon was first proposed for use during the 1973 war, but at

that time only two bombs' datalink pods were being tested. More bombs would not have been

available until early 1974, so the idea quickly died (although Israel became a major

GBU-15 customer). The MGWS test program initially suffered from abysmal reliability

problems, with the planar wing version eventually being canceled.

Production weapons are basically Maverick missile seekers mated to Mk 84 warheads

and fitted with large wings. In practice, they are usually launched from beyond the range

of enemy defenses and guided by datalink, often from a second aircraft well away from the

combat zone, allowing the launching aircraft to concentrate on its egress from the target

area. While they are normally guided manually all the way to impact, GBU-15s can also be

locked on at any point during flight, called lock-on after launch (LOAL). Datalink control

is exercised through the AXQ-14 pod, originally called electronic datalink pod (MGGB EDLP

). After Desert Storm, the AXQ-14 was gradually replaced by the newer (but externally

identical) ZSW-1 pod.

As many as two of TAC's 4th TFW squadrons were operational with GBU-15 and Pave

Tack. Initial plans to equip USAFE F-4Es at Spangdahlem AB, Germany with GBU-15 were

abandoned in favor of Lakenheath F-111Fs. The only PACAF F-4E unit to employ the GBU-15

was the 3rd TFS at Clark AB, Philippines. With their deactivation in 1991, this

workload-intensive weapon was employed only by USAFE's 493rd TFS F-111Fs. They launched 70

GBU-15s against well-defended, high-value targets during Desert Storm. Both clear

electro-optical (EO) and amber-colored imaging infra-red (IIR) seeker heads were used (the

former costing about $195,000, and the latter about $300,000 each). All Mk 84 versions of

the GBU-15 were expended during Desert Storm, with slightly more of the IIR seekers and

'short chord' wings being used. The original 'long-chord' and the newer 'short-chord'

wings both have the same glide performance. GBU-15s utilize the FMU-124 instantaneous or

short-delay impact fuze.

The GBU-15I was introduced after Desert Storm. It is only configured with the

BLU-109 warhead and short-chord wings, using the ADK-723 adapter kit to compensate for its

narrower diameter when compared with Mk 84-based versions. Both the GBU-15 and GBU-15I

became operational with F-15Es during 1993.

Trainer designations include the GBU-15(V)1, 2, 31, and 32(T-1)/B. These are captive

devices normally used in conjunction with datalink pods, with one aircraft representing

the launching aircraft and the other the bomb. The WSO in the 'launching' aircraft directs

the 'bomb' using datalink commands which are actually flown by the pilot of the 'bomb'

aircraft.

When the F-111F employs the GBU-15, the datalink pod is mounted on the aft fuselage

station where the ALQ-131 ECM pod is normally located. Since it is not required, the Pave

Tack is removed and the shallow (two-band) ALQ-131 is mounted on its cradle. When flown on

the F-15E, the bombs are carried on the wing pylons with the datalink pod on the

centerline.

MGWS Bombs

Bomb Seeker Warhead Fin Group Weight Remarks

GBU-15(V)-1 DSU-27 Mk 84 MXU-724 2,510 lb long-chord EO

GBU-15(V)-2 WGU-10 long-chord IIR

GBU-15(V)-21 DSU-27 Mk 84 MXU-787 2,335 lb short-chord EO

GBU-15(V)-22 WGU-10 2,385 lb short-chord IIR

GBU-15(V)-31 DSU-27 BLU-109 MXU-787 2,400 lb 'GBU-15I' EO

GBU-15(V)-32 WGU-10 2,450 lb 'GBU-15I' IIR

GATS/GAM

This is a Northrop/Hughes-developed proposal to provide the B-2A with a stop-gap PGM

capability until JDAM becomes operational in 1999. The GPS-aided targeting system (GATS)

portion of the program is managed by the B-2 program office and uses the aircraft's

synthetic aperture radar (SAR) and GPS positioning information to accurately determine

target location. This involves making an initial target identification using the

aircraft's SAR, then flying a low-observable arc towards the target to create a relative

bearing change of at least 25 degree from the initial SAR image. A second image will then

be generated and used to automatically refine aim points and eliminate GPS-bias (the

differential between a target's real location and its GPS location, which can be as much

as 30 ft/2.8 m). Initially, GATS will be loaded with preplanned aim points which the

aircrew will be able to refine in flight. When Block 30 aircraft become available in

early-1997, they will be capable of inflight retargeting. The first set of Block 30 stores

management software began flight tests in a KC-135 in November 1994.

In 1994, Congress appropriated $25 million to procure 128 GPS-Aided Munitions (GAM

s). This 2,000-lb class, Mk 84-based weapon has a tail-mounted guidance section containing

a combined inertial measuring unit (IMU) and GPS receiver, a guidance and control unit

(GCU), and an airfoil group. GAM has an eight to 10-mile (13 to 16-km) long footprint when

launched from an altitude of 40,000 ft (12,192 m). The 128 GAMs will allow eight B-2As to

be equipped with 16 RLA-mounted weapons, each capable of being directed against a separate

target.

The first six of 28 demonstration versions of GAM were delivered by late 1994 for

ground and flight testing. The first drop test was conducted on 23 November 1994 from an

F-4 at China Lake, California. It was released from 37,500 ft (11,430 m), traveled 32,000

ft (9,754 m) downrange, and achieved a 90 degree impact angle 44 ft (13 m) from its

intended target. Two more drops from an F-4 occurred in December 1994. The first was from

16,000 ft (4,877 m) downrange, achieving a 110 degree impact angle. The other flew 25,000

ft (7,620 m) downrange and 10,000 ft (3,048 m) cross range.

Three more GAM drop tests from a B-2 are scheduled in 1995, prior to the beginning

tests of the entire GATS/GAM system in August. Initial operational capability is expected

in July 1996. Expected accuracy is 45-60 ft (14-18 m) for Block 10 aircraft, and 20 ft (6

m) for Block 20.

JDAM

Joint direct attack munition (JDAM) is an Air Force-led amalgamation of programs to

increase the accuracy and lethality of conventional bombs. Before it became known as JDAM

in early 1994, the program had been known as JDAM-Phase 1 (JDAM-1) and inertially aided

munition (IAM). The goal is to permit the accurate delivery of conventional bombs against

multiple targets per pass, overcoming the limitations weather placed on the delivery of

PGMs. The weapon will use a steerable tail unit coupled to a relatively inexpensive

GPS-aided inertial guidance system to hit within 43 ft (13 m) of preprogrammed targets in

any weather. It is hoped that advanced GPS techniques can lower this figure to as little

as 25 ft (7.6 m).

A draft request for proposals (RFP) was released in October 1992, followed by a

formal RFP in January 1993. Tests using GBU-15(V)-1 airframes with seeker heads replaced

by INS/GPS guidance packages were conducted in early 1993 from a Block 40 F-16C (88-0441).

In six test launches under varying conditions, impact distances ranged from 6.6 to 36 ft

(2 to 11 m) from the target.

JDAM engineering and manufacturing development (EMD) contracts were awarded in April

1994 to Martin Marietta and McDonnell Douglas ($13.8 and $35.0 million, respectively).

Eliminated from the program were Hughes, Lockheed, Rockwell/Boeing, Texas Instruments, and

Raytheon. Initially planned only for 2,000-lb class Mk 84 and BLU-109 bombs, in 1994 a

need was recognized for a 1,000-lb Mk 83-based JDAM variant for the F-22, and the Navy

expressed interest in ensuring it is compatible with its aircraft. The 2,000-lb weapon is

designated GBU-29, while the 1,000-lb weapon will be known as the GBU-30.

Selection of the winning EMD competitor is scheduled for October 1995, with the

placement of an initial production order of 500 kits. Initial JDAM flight testing will

begin in October 1996 with the F-16.

The Navy priority for GBU-29 capability is the F/A-18C/D in 1999, followed by the

F/A-18E/F and F-14 in 2000, and eventually the AV-8B, P-3, and S-3.

The first Air Force aircraft to become operational with the GBU-29 will be the B-2A

in 1997. It will be followed by the B-52 in 2000, B-1B in 2001, and F-16C/D in 2002. Plans

for the F-15E are uncertain at this point. Testing of the GBU-30 with the F-22 will begin

in 2001 following initial testing with the F-16.

The USAF plans to buy 59,000 GBU-29s and 3,000 GBU-30s, while the Navy plans to buy

12,000 GBU-30s. Ultimately, enough kits may be bought to equip 30-50 per cent US Mk 82 and

Mk 84 inventories, along with another 35,000-50,000 kits for allies. Unit price in 1991

was expected to be as much as $53,000. However, in large part because of JDAM's status as

a acquisition pilot program, by 1995 goal each guidance kit is expected to cost about

$40,000 initially, with the cost eventually falling to less than $25,000. At those prices,

total acquisition figures could rise to 100,000 to 150,000, with the goal being to

eventually eliminate 'dumb bombs'.

The name advanced all-up round (AAUR) was adopted in 1994 for a program previously

known as joint programmable fuze (JPF) and JDAM-Phase 2 (JDAM-2). Its goal is to develop a

500-lb bomb with improved accuracy over the previous Mk 82.

Also renamed in 1994 was the JDAM performance improvement program (JDAM PIP), which

had previously been known as JDAM-Phase 3 (JDAM-3), and the adverse weather

precision-guided munition (AWPGM). With the goal of reducing miss distance for the 14-nm

(26-km) ranged weapon against preprogrammed targets to under 10 ft (3 m) in any weather,

it focuses on three areas: reducing target location errors, increasing GPS accuracy, and

adding a seeker to the nose of the weapon. Beginning in October 1993, several terminal

guidance seeker concepts were evaluated, with particular attention being paid to seeker

performance in battlefield smoke and haze. Candidates that survived this evaluation were

synthetic-aperture and millimeter-wave radars, as well as terrain comparison. In addition,

imaging infra-red was selected for use on the AGM-154C JSOW, but no decision will be made

until FY98 about which seeker to fit to JDAM.



Air-to-Ground Missiles

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

AGM-45 Shrike

Produced by Texas Instruments, the 400-lb class AGM-45 Shrike was the first

anti-radiation missile (ARM). Developed by the Naval Weapons Center as the ASM-N-10 during

the Vietnam War, it became operational in 1965, with production of 16,000 ending in 1978.

All missiles are 8 in (20 cm) in diameter, with a 36.3-in (92-cm) wing span and an 18.0-in

(46-cm) tail span. Most Shrikes are 120 in (305 cm) long, with the -7 the longest at 122

in (310 cm). Weights of the $89,000 missile vary between 394 and 426 lb, depending on the

components used. Except as noted otherwise. all exterior surfaces are FSN 17875 gloss

white.

Both the AGM-45A and AGM-45B missiles use the same guidance sections, which

determine the 'dash' number of the missiles. They operate in four modes: captive, powered,

and free flight, followed by terminal guidance. During captive flight the missile provides

the crew with target detection signals by using aircraft power. Powered flight defines the

period of rocket motor burn and can be commanded either automatically or manually. There

are three types of free flight functioning: most missiles simply glide until the gas

generator in the control section is activated by the electronic attitude sensor (EAS).

This component monitors flight path angle by sensing pressure changes and fires the gas

generator after the missile descends through 18,000 ft (5,486 m) and the desired dive

angle is reached. In missiles modified for dive delivery the EAS is bypassed and the gas

generator fires three seconds after launch, just after motor burnout. In missiles prior to

the -9, this function has to be selected before flight by installing a component called a

dive plug. In the -9 and -10 missiles EAS bypass (EASB) allows this option to be selected

in flight. During terminal guidance power from the gas generator allows the control fins

to react to commands from the guidance section, directing the missile towards or, in the

case of the gravity bias (G-Bias) missiles, just above the target.

Shrike guidance sections are designed to attack radars which emit in different

frequencies. Unlike the later HARM, which can be programmed, Shrike seekers are 'hard

wired' for a single function. The Mk 22 (AGM-45-2) was withdrawn from service about 1985.

The Mk 23 is an inert section used with the ground loading trainer (ATM-45A-1) and

separation test item (ATM-45-2). Although similar to the Mk 22, its single-piece shell

lacks a radome. The Mk 24 (AGM-45-3) and Mk 25 (AGM-45-4) are used by both the Air Force

and Navy. Use of the Mk 36 (AGM-45-6) requires use of a special control section. The Mk 41

(ATM-45-6) exercise guidance section contains no fuzing. The Mk 37 (AGM-45-7) is used only

by the Air Force. The Mk 77 (ATM-45-8) is an unfuzed trainer converted from the Mk 36. The

Mk 49 (AGM-45-9 and -9A), and Mk 50 (AGM-45-10) are only used by the Air Force. These

sections have no color bands. The Mk 22's radome was FSN 17038 gloss black, and the Mk

23's is FSN 15080 gloss blue. All other radomes are FSN 17875 gloss white.

The AGM-45As and Bs each have three interchangeable warheads that detonate either

when signaled by the guidance section or upon impact. The Mk 5 (AGM-45A/B), WAU-8

(AGM-45A), and WAU-9 (AGM-45B) warheads have a 2-in (5-cm) wide bands of FSN 14187 gloss

green, indicating the presence of a red phosphorus (RP) spotting charge, and FSN 23538

semi-gloss dark yellow. The Mk 86 (AGM-45A/B) warhead has only a single 2-in (5-cm) wide

yellow band. The Mk 83 (ATM-45A/B) inert practice warheads are FSN 15080 gloss blue. The

Mk 85 (ATM-45A/B-4) is FSN 15080 gloss blue, with a yellow band like that on the Mk 86.

The full-deflection (bang-bang) Mk 1 and Mk 5 control sections have a 2-in (5-cm)

wide band of FSN 30117 flat brown, while the inert Mk 2 is overall FSN 15080 gloss blue.

All are fitted with four, 14.0-in (36-cm) high Mk 2 wings, which are sometimes left off of

captive trainers.

The AGM-45A uses the single burn 22,000 lb-second total impulse Mk 39 motor with a

2.8-second burn time. A second AGM-45A motor, the Mk 53 was withdrawn from service in the

mid-1980s. The AGM-45B introduced the dual burn 22,300 lb-second total impulse Mk 78

motor, with an initial 1.0-second acceleration thrust supplemented by a 20-second period

of lower sustained thrust. Motors have a 2 to 3-in (5 to 7.6-cm) wide band of FSN 30117

flat brown about 8 in (20 cm) from the front edge of the motor. The inert Mk 46 is FSN

15080 gloss blue. All motors are fitted with four, 5.7-in (14.5-cm) high Mk 21 tail fins.

As with the wings, these are sometimes left off captive trainers.

The ATM-45A-1 is a non-flight qualified ground handling trainer. The ATM-45A-2 was

used for safe separation testing of the AGM-45A. The ATM-45A-3 can be fitted with any

seeker and used either as a captive operational trainer or to train ground crew. The

ATM-45A-4 and ATM-45A-6 are used for live-fire operational training. The ATM-45B-2 was

used for safe separation testing of the AGM-45B. The ATM-45B-4 and ATM-45B-6 are used for

live-fire operational training.

Shrikes can be launched from the LAU-34 or the newer LAU-118, also used for the

AGM-88. The Shrike in USAF service can be carried by F-4Gs and 'Wild Weasel' F-16Cs. It

has also been used by the USN and exported to Britain during the Falklands War and to

Israel during the 1973 Yom Kipper War. With little or no capability against modern SAMs,

the Shrike has almost passed into history. However, they are kept in storage 'just in

case'.

Developed during the Vietnam War as a subsonic, launch-and-leave replacement for the

AGM-12 Bullpup, the Hughes Maverick has continued to evolve and remained in production

through FY91, with second-source supplier Raytheon receiving the final contract. While

utilizing a variety of guidance and warhead sections, all AGM-65s are the same size (98

in/249 cm long, 12 in/30 cm in diameter, with a 29-in/74-cm fin span). The original 125-lb

high-explosive, shaped-charge WDU-20 has been replaced in later Mavericks with the 300-lb

WDU-24 blast-penetration warhead. All versions use the same rocket motor, with maximum

launch range dependent on target size and seeker performance. While maximum aerodynamic

range is about 12.5 nm (23 km), a more realistic range is nearer 8 nm (15 km). During the

Gulf War, over 90 per cent of the AGM-65s fired were from A-10s. Maverick is a very

workload-intensive weapon which pilots of faster, single-seat aircraft, such as the F-16,

found very difficult to employ in combat.

AGM-65A has a 5 degree field of view (FOV) electro-optical (EO) television seeker

that the pilot uses to acquire the target. After designating the target and ensuring that

the missile is locked on, he fires it and can either select another target or commence

escape maneuvering. The $22,000 missile was introduced in 1972, and all were FSN 17875

gloss white. During the Vietnam War, 99 were fired operationally with an 88 per cent

success rate. Four hundred were transferred from US stocks to Israel during the 1973 Yom

Kippur War.

AGM-65B features an optional 2.5 degree FOV. Called 'scene-magnification', it can

be locked onto the same target as an AGM-65A from twice the range. Both missiles can be

identified by their clear seeker domes. Introduced in 1975, the $64,000 AGM-65Bs were

initially painted white, with the words 'SCENE MAG' stenciled on the side of the seeker.

However, many were later painted FSN 34087 olive drab. During Desert Storm, A-10s fired

1,682 AGM-65Bs.

AGM-65C was a semi-active laser (SAL) version developed in the late 1970s. However,

in 1979 both the USAF and USN decided to forgo this seeker in favor of IIR guidance and

this missile was never produced.

AGM-65D was the first Maverick with an imaging infra-red (IIR) seeker. Introduced

in 1983, it first became operational during 1986 with 81st TFW A-10As. The advantage of

the $110,000 IIR missile over earlier EO versions is its ability to be used at night and

in conditions of smoke and haze. With the IIR seeker, the missile can be locked on to

targets at greater ranges than it is capable of flying aerodynamically. These missiles are

FSN 34087 olive drab with a silverish seeker, similar to some sunglasses. During Desert

Storm, A-10s fired 3,128 AGM-65Ds.

AGM-65E is the operational version of the earlier AGM-65C. The USMC is the only

user of SAL guidance, and this version became the first to feature the larger warhead. SAL

permits ground troops to designate targets for close air support. During the Gulf War,

this capability was used fewer than 10 times. The AGM-65E was first delivered in 1985 and

is FSN 36375 gray.

AGM-65F e

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