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GP Bombs
TACP 1008

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 Overview

• Classification
• Fuze Considerations
• Employment Considerations

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 Learning Objectives

1. Given a list and without the aid of reference, identify the

capabilities and limitations of general purpose munitions, in
accordance with the JFIRE.

2. Given a list and without the aid of reference, identify the

naming conventions and weapons class of the GP bombs, in
accordance with the JFIRE.

3. Given a scenario and without the aid of reference, employ a

GP bomb in a CAS attack, in accordance with the JP 3-09.3 and
the MAWTS-1 TACP TACSOP.
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 References

• JP 3-09.3, Close Air Support

• AFTTP 3-3.JTAC, Combat Fundamentals JTAC
• JP 3-09, Joint Fire Support
• JP 3-09.1, Joint Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures for Laser
Designation Operations
• MCRP 3-31.6, JFIRE
• MCRP 3-10F.2, Supporting Arms Observer, Spotter, and
Controller
• MAWTS-1 AOD TACP TACSOP
• Weapons File Book
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 Overview

• Classification
• Bomb body components
• Mk-80 series capabilities
• Additional Variants
• Fuze Considerations
• Employment Considerations

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 Unguided Bombs

• Characterized by
• Warhead
• Live (HE)
• General Purpose (GP)
• Cluster/Fire
• Practice
• Size
• Weight class
• Explosive content
• Ballistic profile
• Different fin options

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 GP Bomb Anatomy

• Cast steel
• Dual fuze wells
• Blast / Frag weapon
Bomb
Nose body Tail
fuze plug fuze plug

Nose Explosive
fuze well charge Tail
fuze well
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 General-Purpose Bomb Fin Design

• 3 Main types
• Low drag
• High Drag
• Cockpit Selectable Low / High Drag
• Different profiles based on fin types
• A/C check-in, standard is Low Drag (LD)

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 High vs Low Drag

Direction of Travel

Low Drag
High Drag

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 High Drag, Low Altitude Tactics

LOW DRAG HIGH DRAG

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 Mk-80 Series Bombs

Designation Actual Explosive

MK-82 / BLU-111 500 lbs 531 lbs 192 lbs
MK-83 / BLU-110 1000 lbs 985 lbs 445 lbs
MK-84 / BLU-117 2000 lbs 1970 lbs 995 lbs

• Approximately ½ weight
is explosive fill

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 Mk-80 Series Frag

Mk-82 Mk-83 Mk-84

3,175’ (968m) 4,067’(1,232m)
3,049’(929m) wide
Static Frag Pattern wide / wide /
2,600’ (787m)high
2,722’(825m) high 3,522’(1067m) high

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 Mk-80 Series Penetration Capability

Concrete Armor
(5,000psi) (Max penetration before
breakup)
Mk-82 1’ 1.25”

Mk-83 2’ 1.5”

Mk-84 3’ 2”

• GP bombs best for blast / frag

• High drag delivery = more vertical impact angle
• Failures: case failure, ricochet, fuze ejection
• Low survival rate against 5000psi concrete
• Mk-84 is best bet against light hardened targets

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 Weaponeering Discussion

• Ground commanders intent – destroy enemy troops in the

open

4 x Mk-82 vs 1 x Mk-84

• Ground commanders intent – destroy reinforced concrete

bunker

4 x Mk-82 vs 1 x BLU-109

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 Overview

• Classification
• Fuze Considerations
• Common fuzing options
• Fuze failure
• Employment Considerations

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 Fuze Options

• Type • Airburst is a capability NOT

• Electrical a fuze!
• Mechanical • Not an inherent
capability
• Locations
• May be briefed at check
• Nose
in if available
• Tail
• May be turned ON or
• Method OFF in the cockpit
• Impact • Lose ability to DELAY
• Proximity
DSU-33A/B

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 Fuze Failures

• Common reasons for Failure

(Dud)
• Fuze fails to arm
• Shallow impact angle
• Fin fails to deploy (HD)

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 Overview

• Classification
• Fuze Considerations
• Employment Considerations
• Delivery variables/CEP
• Profiles/Attack Timeline
• JFIRE RED Methodology

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 Circular Error Probable (CEP)

CEP = 40 m

• Measure of Weapon Accuracy

• Unguided Ordnance:
• Delivery Platform
• Weapon Ballistics
• Release Parameters
• Pilot proficiency DPI*
• Desired Point of Impact (DPI)

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 Dive Delivery Profile

• Pros
• Decreases Slant range
• Visual target acquisition
• Allows for the use of a visual mark
• Wingman can correct from leads hits
• Cons
• Additional airspace de-confliction requirements
• Threat consideration

• Level lay delivery can be done but dive is preferred.

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 Risk Estimate Distances

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 Quiz

BLU-110 1000 lb Mk-83

500 lbs Mk-82 BLU-111

Mk-84 2000 lb BLU-117

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 Questions?

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 Summary

• Classification
• Bomb body components
• Mk-80 series capabilities
• Additional Variants
• Fuze Considerations
• Common fuzing options
• Fuze failure
• Employment Considerations
• Delivery variables/CEP
• Profiles/Attack Timeline
• JFIRE RED Methodology

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