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BL755 Cluster Bomb
The BL755 Cluster Bomb is carried by offensive support and attack aircraft.
Weighing 600lb, each bomb carries 147 small bomblets which scatter over
an area on release. A dual-role weapon, it entered RAF service in 1972.
It is designed to provide a high `kill' probability against a range of
hard and soft targets.
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When the BL755 is dropped, the primary strike is armed. After a set interval
the initial cartridge is fired, which produces the gas pressure to blow
off the two-part body skins and then fires the main cartridge. Each bomblet
is 5.87" (0.15m) as it is fired. This extends to 24.69" (0.62m) complete
with extending nose probe and retarding parachute.
Manufacturer: Hunting Engineering
Length: 8' 0.5" (2.45m)
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CVR-7
The Bristol Aerospace CVR-7 is a Canadian designed air-to-surface and air-to-air
rocket system. It is a high-velocity, unguided rocket system suitable for
delivery at low level. Each CVR-7 pod carries 19 rockets. CVR-7 was retro-fitted
to the Jaguar for the Gulf War and will be used in the Harrier GR7 force.
For the Gulf War, Jaguar GR1s were armed with LAV-5003B/A pods containing
19 CVR-7, with a loaded weight of 530lb per pod. The CVR-7 is spin-stabilised
by a fluted exhaust nozzle and has three spring-deployed wrap-round tail
fins. The HE blast fragmentation warhead is designed for use against vehicles,
light armour, soft ground targets, light naval craft and helicopters.
Manufacturer: Bristol Aerospace (Canada)
Length: 3' 5" (1.04m)
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1000lb High Explosive Bombs
The RAF relies heavily on the basic 1,000lb high explosive bomb. Still
in stock are the Mark 1 and Mark 2 bombs of nominal 570lb weight, but the
addition of the Hunting Mark 118 retarding tail increases this to 620lb.
One of the problems of delivering explosive ordnance from low flying aircraft
is that conventional iron bombs such as these, with fixed tails, can often
bounce or ricochet off hard surfaces. These can explode whilst the launch
aircraft is in the vicinity. This danger is reduced by fitting the bombs
with retarding tails, slowing their fall, and allowing the aircraft to
clear the area.
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Paveway II
The standard 1,000 lb General Purpose bomb can be fitted with a laser guidance
kit for use against moderately well protected targets. The kit consists
of nose package containing a laser seeker head and larger steering vanes.
These bombs can be delivered in freefall or retarded modes, using impact
or proximity fusing. The guidance package homes on the reflected laser
signal from an airborne or ground based target designator.
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Paveway III
This 2,000 lb laser guided bomb has only recently entered service, and
is for use against well protected targets. The bomb is guided to its target
by reflected laser energy, which is directed at the target by a Thermal
Imaging and Laser Designation (TIALD) pod carried by an aircraft, or by
a ground based designator. The Paveway III also carries a sophisticated
guidance computer to ensure pinpoint accuracy. The weapon is used for the
penetration of fortified installations and can be carried on all the RAF's
attack aircraft. |
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