Mark 81 bomb
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Crewmen upload three Mark 81 general purpose high explosive bombs, with Mark 14 TRD (Tail Retarding Device) attached, aboard an A-4F Skyhawk aircraft from Marine Attack Squadron 133 (VMA-133). |
|
| Mk 81 | |
|---|---|
| Primary Function: | free-fall, general purpose bomb - blast and fragmentation |
| Length: | 74 in (1880 mm) |
| Diameter: | 9 in (229 mm) |
| Range: | Varies by method of employment |
| Explosive content: | 96 lb (44 kg) |
| Total weight: | 262 lb (119 kg) |
The Mark 81 (Mk 81) 250 lb (113 kg) general purpose bomb (nicknamed "Firecracker") was the smallest of the Mark 80 series of low-drag general-purpose bombs. Developed for United States military forces in the 1950s, it was first used during the Vietnam War. The bomb consists of a cast steel case with 96 lb (44 kg) of H6,Minol or Tritonal explosive. The power of the Mk 81 was found to be inadequate for U.S. military tactical use, and it was quickly discontinued, although license-built copies or duplicates of this weapon remain in service with various other nations. Development of a precision guided variant of the Mk 81 bomb (GBU-29) was started due to its potential to reduce collateral damage compared to larger bombs, but this program has now been cancelled[1] in favor of the Small Diameter Bomb.
[edit] Variants
- Mark 81 Snakeye fitted with a Mark 14 TRD (Tail Retarding Device) to increase the bomb's drag after release. The bomb's increased air-time, coupled with it's (relatively) forgiving safe drop envelope, allowed for very low-level bombing runs at slower speed. Used commonly in the close air support role in Vietnam (prior to wider availability of GBU precision ordnance). Nicknamed "snake", as in the typical Vietnam CAS loadout of "snake and nape" (250-lb. Mk-81 Snakeye bombs and 500-lb. M-47 napalm canisters).
- GBU-29 Joint Direct Attack Munition, a precision guided version of the Mark 81 (cancelled).
[edit] Notes
http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/mk81.htm
[edit] References
- Arsenal of Democracy II, Tom Gervasi, ISBN 0-394-17662-6
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