Editing CBU-97 Sensor Fuzed Weapon (section)

==Operation==
[[Image:CBU-97 SFW (8steps attacking process) NT.PNG|right|200px]]
The 40 Skeets scan an area of {{convert|1500|x|500|ft|m}} using [[infrared]] and [[laser]] [[sensor]]s, seeking [[targeting (warfare)|targets]] by pattern-matching. When a Skeet finds a target it fires an explosively-formed penetrator to destroy it. If a Skeet fails to find a target, it self-destructs {{convert|50|ft}} above the ground; if this fails, a back-up timer disables the Skeet. These features are intended to avoid later civilian casualties from [[unexploded munitions]], and result in an unexploded-ordnance rate of less than 1%.

As the CBU-97 approaches its designated aim-point, the dispenser skin is severed into three panels by an [[explosive]] cutting charge. The slipstream peels away these panels, exposing the 10 BLU-108 submunitions. An airbag ejects the forward five submunitions, then five in the aft bay. Following a preset timeline, the submunitions deploy [[parachute]]s so that they are spaced about {{convert|100|ft}} apart. Then each submunition releases its chute, fires a [[rocket motor]] that stops its descent and spins it on its longitudinal axis, and releases Skeets 90 degrees apart, in pairs. Each spinning Skeet makes a coning motion that allows it to scan a circular area on the ground.

The [[Weaponized lasers#Tracking|laser sensor]] detects changes in apparent terrain height such as the contour of a vehicle. At the same time, [[Infra-red search and track|infrared sensors]] detect heat signatures, such as those emitted by the engine of a vehicle. When the combination of height contours and heat signatures indicative of a target are detected, the Skeet detonates, firing an [[explosively-formed penetrator]] (EFP) down into the target at high speed, sufficient to penetrate [[armor plating]] and destroy what is protected by it. Even well-armored vehicles such as [[main battle tank]]s, while having massive armor protection on the front and sides, are only lightly armored above,<ref name=india>[http://www.9abc.net/index.php/archives/14124 ABC: United States announced the sale to India-based 521 CBU-105 cluster bombs, 2011-08-30] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120724122918/http://www.9abc.net/index.php/archives/14124 |date=2012-07-24 }}</ref> and relatively easily penetrated. Each bomb can spread penetrators over an area of {{convert|15|acres|m2|abbr=in}} or more. According to an ABC News consultant, an attack by this bomb would effectively stop an armored convoy moving down a road. While the bomb was designed during the [[Cold War]] for [[fighter-bomber]]s flying at low altitude below [[radar]] cover to attack [[Soviet Army|Soviet tanks]], a single [[B-52]] high altitude [[heavy bomber]] can destroy an entire [[armored division]] with these bombs, where in the past dozens of aircraft would have had to drop hundreds of bombs for the same effect.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=97677&page=1|title=Targeting Tanks with Smart Cluster Bombs|date=7 January 2006|website=ABC News|access-date=10 April 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180411025755/https://abcnews.go.com/Technology/story?id=97677&page=1|archive-date=11 April 2018|url-status=live}}</ref>

The CBU-97, or CBU-105 version, is deployed by tactical aircraft from altitudes of {{convert|200|to|20000|ft|-1}} [[Above Ground Level]] (AGL) at speeds of {{convert|250|to|650|kn|km/h}}.<ref name=globsec>{{cite web|url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/cbu-97-specs.htm|title=CBU-97 Sensor Fuzed Weapon - Dumb Bombs|first=John|last=Pike|website=www.globalsecurity.org|access-date=2006-09-27|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060822072245/http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/systems/munitions/cbu-97-specs.htm|archive-date=2006-08-22|url-status=live}}</ref>