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Aviation History
1970
1970 - 0427.PDF
fc- by fitting the conventional 1,0001b bomb with a retarder tail— a drag-increasing device opening somewhat like an umbrella which slows the bomb down and steepens its trajectory so that it impacts the ground some distance behind the aircraft. This does not completely eliminate skipping, and therefore instantaneous fusing is used to explode the bomb on initial impact. To protect the aircraft, an environmental sensor measures bomb deceleration and prevents the fuse from activa tion if the retarder fails to open. Retarded bombs, which have now been in service for about a year, are normally ejected from altitudes of between 200ft and 500ft. The new 6001b cluster bomb, shortly to enter service, is a versatile weapon with the potential for tailoring to cope with a variety of targets. It comprises a large number of small bomfolets enclosed in a bomb-shaped casing. Each bomblet has its own environmental sensor and fusing device. After the bomb is released, a charge explodes the casing and a further charge ejects the bomtolets in a controlled pattern so that jostling between them is avoided. The cluster bomb is effective against both hard and soft targets. Possible future developments could include varying the size and number of bomblets and changing their ejection pattern. Practice bombs The 281b practice bomb, which has been in service since the second world war, is still used to simulate the thousand-pounder. Two types are in use. a free-fall version and a retarded bomb fitted with a vane-type retarder tail for low-level practice. On hitting the ground, a cloud of smoke is emitted to allow the impact position to be plotted. A much smaller and cheaper practice retarded development, known as the 41b bomb (but in fact weighing 51b) will be introduced this year. Rockets The main counters today against tanks are the 68mm SNEB rockets, tout new types with larger warheads are under develop ment. Two types of rocket launcher, both by Engins Matra of France, are in service. Type 155 launchers, housing 18 SNBB 68mm rockets, are permanent re-loadable low-drag installations, allowing rockets to be fired either in single shots, in a continuous burst, or in controlled bursts of three or six rockets. Type 116 launchers are lightweight low-cost expendable units, housing 19 SNEB 68mm rockets, which are fired in one burst at a rate of 1,500 rounds/minute; the launcher is automatically released after firing. Flares Although the trend is increasingly towards electronic sensors for pinpointing the target, during night attacks flares are still likely to be carried for target illumination. The well-proved Bofors Lepus flare bomb develops 3 million candlepower and burns for 3rnin. For night photography, smaller 5in recon naissance flares can toe dropped in overlapping series. Each flare provides 1.25 million candlepower and burns for 3min. Continued overleaf "Flight" photographs :::;; 100 gallon fire bomb 50 gallon fire bomb 68 mm rocket launcher RL155 68 mm rocket launcher RL116 oz *™™|» "•N^II Lepus flare 5 in recce flare
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