Warheads, Cluster Munitions, and Fuzing

Question 1

List the 5 HE weapons effects**

Answer 1

Blast/Shock
Fragmentation
Cratering/Penetration
Armor Penetration
Incendiary

Question 2

Describe blast/shock

Answer 2

Half of the energy is expended in the compression of surrounding air or water to create overpressure

ROT - maximize blast w/detonation at or above surface

Question 3

Describe fragmentation

Answer 3

Half of the energy goes into the bomb casing and provides velocity to the fragments

ROT - maximize frag w/airburst

Question 4

Describe cratering

Answer 4

Caused by a fuze functional delay

Use a penetration bomb or reinforced GP bomb

Question 5

Descrive armor penetration

Answer 5

Two primary mechanisms:

• Explosively Formed Penetrator (EFP): Forge fragments into high-velocity high-density penetrators
• Shaped charge: uses HE to create hypervelocity jet and burn interior

Question 6

Describe incendiary

Answer 6

Generate intense heat for short periods

No longer in US active inventory

Question 7

List the penetration rule of thumb for the Mk-82, Mk-84, BLU-109, and BLU-113 in regards to reinforced concrete

Answer 7

Mk-82 - 1 ft
Mk-84 - 3 ft
BLU-109 - 6 ft
BLU-113 - 22 ft

Question 8

Describe the GP bomb characteristics**

Answer 8

Cast steel casing
Nose-fuze and tail-fuze wells
Aerodynamic body shape
50% explosive weight
Jack of all trades bomb
Mk-82/83/84 = 500/1000/2000 lbs

Question 9

Describe penetration bomb characteristics**

Answer 9

10-30% explosive weight
Forged steel casing
Tapered-nosed and parallel sides to prevent ricochet
Tail-fuze well only to ensure nose structural integrity
Best penetration capability
BLU-109/113 = 2000/5000 lbs

Question 10

List advantages and limitations of general purpose bombs

Answer 10

Advantages: 
Plentiful
Good explosive weight
Good blast and fragmentation
Building block for guided weapons and mines

Limitations:
Accuracy (unguided)
Penetration
Armor
Incendiary effects

Question 11

List advantages and limitations of penetration bombs

Answer 11

Advantages:
Excellent penetration
Good fragmentation
Fair blast

Limitations:
Limited numbers
Requires guidance to maximize weapons effects
Complicated weaponeering
Poor incendiary
Limited fuzing

Question 12

List the 4 fuze function methods

Answer 12

Time
Proximity
Impact
Hydrostatic

Question 13

State purpose of Mk-130

Answer 13

Converts the Mk-82/83 into a land or shallow water mine

Question 14

Describe the CBU-97 sensor fuzed weapon

Answer 14

Best armor on-the-move killer - smart bomblets with active/passive sensors
Capability against moving tgts