BLU-97/B Combined Effects Bomb

The BLU-97/B Combined Effects Bomb is the submunition used in several cluster bomb type weapon systems. When the bomblets fall, they separate from the main bomb and independently free fall to the ground. They contain an inflatable bag (ballute) on the top of them, which slows them down and spreads them out. As the bomblets descend, they experience g-forces. Once they reach a minimum of 6 Gs, they arm themselves. As the bomblets fall, they are also spinning as well. Arming takes about 2.6 seconds. They have a combined shaped charge, fragmentation and incendiary effect on the target. It is very effective against and mainly used for anti-personnel, anti-materiel, and anti-armor.

pecifications

* Length:
** Stored: 16.8 cm (6.6 in)
** Deployed (w/o retarder canopy): 22.6 cm (8.9 in)
* Diameter: 63.5 mm (2.5 in)
* Weight: 1.54 kg (3.4 lb)
* Explosive:
** Standard: 287 g (0.63 lb) Cyclotol
** Insensitive Munitions (IM) version: PBXN-107
* Warhead: Shaped charge, fragmenting casing and incendiary zirconium ring. [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/blu-97.htm BLU-97/B Combined Effects Bomb (CEB) - Global Security] ]

Weapon systems

* CBU-87 Combined Effects Munition
* AGM-154A Joint Standoff Weapon
* RGM/UGM-109D Tomahawk
* AGM-137 TSSAM

Operational usage

The use of the BLU-97/B in Afghanistan caused some controversy as the bright yellow color of the bomblet was the same as humanitarian ration packs handed out to civilians by U.S. forces. [ [http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/monitoring/media_reports/1624787.stm Radio warns Afghans over food parcels - BBC] ] This reportedly led to 'dud' bomblets being mistakenly picked up resulting in death or injury. The color of the ration packs was subsequently changed. [ [http://www.planetark.org/dailynewsstory.cfm/newsid/13573/story.htm US cluster bombs add to Afghan landmine tragedy - Planet Ark] ]

References