Editing General-purpose bomb (section)

== Modern general-purpose bombs==

===Modern American general-purpose bombs: the Mark 80 series===
[[File:Mark82Bomb.JPEG|thumb|right|A Mk&nbsp;82 GP bomb loaded on an F/A-18 Hornet, showing nose fuze and textured thermal insulation]]
During the [[Korean War]] and [[Vietnam War]] the U.S. used older designs like the [[Mark 65 bomb|M65]], [[Mark 117 bomb|M117]] and [[Mark 118 bomb|M118]], which had an explosive content about 65% higher than most contemporary weapons. Although some of these weapons remain in the U.S. arsenal, they are little used and the M117 is primarily carried only by the [[B-52 Stratofortress]].

The primary U.S. GP bombs are the '''Mark 80 series'''. This class of weapons uses a shape known as Aero 1A, designed by  [[Ed Heinemann]] of [[Douglas Aircraft]] as the result of studies in [[1946 in aviation|1946]]. It has a length-to-diameter ratio of about 8:1, and results in minimal drag for the carrier aircraft. The Mark 80 series was not used in combat until the Vietnam War, but has since replaced most earlier GP weapons. It includes four basic weapon types:

* [[Mark 81 bomb|Mark 81]] – nominal weight {{convert|250|lb|kg|sigfig=3}}
* [[Mark 82 bomb|Mark 82]] – nominal weight {{convert|500|lb|kg|sigfig=3}}
* [[Mark 83 bomb|Mark 83]] – nominal weight {{convert|1,000|lb|kg|sigfig=3}}
* [[Mark 84 bomb|Mark 84]] – nominal weight {{convert|2,000|lb|kg|sigfig=3}}

Vietnam service showed the Mk 81 "Firecracker" to be sub par, and it was withdrawn from U.S. service. However, recently, precision-guided variants of the Mk&nbsp;81 bomb have begun a return to service, based on U.S. experience in [[Iraq]] after 2003, and the desire to reduce [[collateral damage]] compared to Mk&nbsp;82 and larger bombs (e.g., when attacking a single small building in a populated area).

Since the Vietnam War and the [[1967 USS Forrestal fire]], [[United States Navy]] and [[United States Marine Corps]] GP bombs are distinguished by a thick [[ablation|ablative]] fire-retardant coating, which is designed to delay any potential accidental explosion in the event of a shipboard fire. Land-based air forces typically do not use such coatings, largely because they add some {{cvt|30|lb|kg}} to the weight of the complete weapon.{{citation needed|date=June 2010}} Fire is less a danger in a land-based facility, where the personnel can be evacuated with relative ease, and the building be the only loss. At sea, the crew and munitions share a facility (the ship), and thus are in much more danger of fire reaching munitions (which tend to be more closely packed, due to space limitations). Also, losing a munitions storage building on land is far cheaper than sacrificing an entire naval vessel, even if one could easily evacuate the crew.

All Mk&nbsp;80 bombs have both nose and tail fuze wells and can accept a variety of fuzes. Various nose and tail kits can be fitted to adapt the weapon for a variety of roles.

Mk&nbsp;80 series bomb bodies are also used in the following weapons:
* [[BDU-50]] A practice (no explosive) version of the [[Mark 82 bomb|Mk 82]] bomb body
* [[BDU-56]] A practice (no explosive) version of the [[Mark 84 bomb|Mk 84]] bomb body
On August 14, 2020, Kaman Precision Products received roughly $57.3 million for a "cockpit-selectable" bomb fuze to be used on Mark 80 warheads (guided and unguided).<ref>{{Cite web|title=Contracts for August 14, 2020|url=https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/2313931/|access-date=2020-09-09|website=U.S. DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE|language=en-US}}</ref> The contract involved foreign military sales ([[Foreign Military Sales|FMS]]) to 25 unnamed countries.[[File:Paveway II p1230135.jpg|thumb|right|Guidance accessories for a 500&nbsp;lb body and a Laser-Guided Training Round, bottom]]

====Smart bomb kits====
Dumb Mk 80 bombs could be converted to ''smart bombs'' with attached kits:
* [[GBU-12]]D Paveway II (Mk&nbsp;82) laser-guided
* [[GBU-16]]B Paveway II (Mk&nbsp;83) laser-guided
* [[GBU-24]]B Paveway III (Mk&nbsp;84) laser-guided
* [[GBU-38]] JDAM (Mk&nbsp;82) INS/GPS guided
* [[GBU-32]] JDAM (Mk&nbsp;83) INS/GPS guided
* [[GBU-31]] JDAM (Mk&nbsp;84) INS/GPS guided
* [[GBU-X]] - a guided general-purpose bomb under development as of 2017<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/dubai-textron-thales-mini-bomb-wrapping-up-flight-t-418816/|title=DUBAI: Textron-Thales mini-bomb wrapping up flight test campaign|date=9 November 2015|work=FlightGlobal.com|access-date=14 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-reveals-slimmed-down-sacm-air-to-air-missile-co-422413/|title=USAF reveals slimmed-down SACM air-to-air missile concept|date=25 February 2016|work=FlightGlobal.com|access-date=14 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.janes.com/article/57493/raytheon-selected-to-deliver-next-generation-tactical-air-to-air-missile-solutions|title=Janes &#124; Latest defence and security news}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.upi.com/Business_News/Security-Industry/2016/01/21/Raytheon-to-research-tactical-missile-capabilities/7671453398070/|title=Raytheon to research tactical missile capabilities|work=UPI.com|access-date=14 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://fightersweep.com/4499/sacm-affordable-highly-lethal-missile/|title=SACM: Affordable, Highly-Lethal Missile - Fighter Sweep|date=7 March 2016|work=FighterSweep.com|access-date=14 February 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://insidedefense.com/inside-air-force/textron-explores-capabilities-next-generation-gbu-x-munition |title = Textron explores capabilities for next-generation GBU-X munition {{!}} InsideDefense.com}}</ref>

[[File:North American F-100D-75-NA (SN 56-3184) in flight dropping a Snake-Eye bomb 060922-F-1234S-005.jpg|thumb|Snake Eye]]

====Retarded (high drag) versions====
* ''Mk 82 Snake Eye'' was a standard Mk&nbsp;82 with folded retarding petals.
* ''Mk 82 Retarded'' was a standard Mk&nbsp;82 with a [[ballute]].
* ''Mk 83 Retarded'' was a standard Mk&nbsp;83 with a ballute.
* ''Mk 84 Retarded'' was a standard Mk&nbsp;84 with a ballute.
The retarder is used to allow the aircraft escape the "blast pattern" in low altitude delivery.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/197591/mk82-air-inflatable-retarder-bomb/ |title=MK82 Air Inflatable Retarder Bomb |access-date=30 March 2024 |website=www.nationalmuseum.af.mil}}</ref>

===Modern British general-purpose bombs===
The principal modern British bombs are {{cvt|540|lb|kg}} and {{cvt|1000|lb|kg}}, and are no longer in service. The smaller 540&nbsp;lb was retired with the demise of the Harrier GR9 aircraft with the larger 1000&nbsp;lb being retired in Apr 2019. Currently the UK only uses the 500&nbsp;lb class Paveway IV weapon system. The warhead is a modified enhanced Mk&nbsp;82 warhead.

===Soviet and Russian general-purpose bombs===
{{More citations needed section|date=January 2016}}
{{Main|Soviet and Russian aerial bombs}}
[[File:FAB-250 M46 Bomb.jpg|thumb|A 1946 FAB-250 bomb]]
[[File:FAB-500 M54 Bomb.jpg|thumb|A 1954 [[FAB-500]] bomb]]
The Russian term for general-purpose bomb is ''fugasnaya aviatsionnaya bomba'' (FAB) and followed by the bomb's nominal weight in kilograms. Most Russian iron bombs have circular ring airfoils rather than the fins used by Western types.

In 1946 the Soviet Union developed a series of freefall bombs in four sizes {{cvt|250|kg|lb|order=flip}}, {{cvt|500|kg|lb|order=flip}}, {{cvt|1500|kg|lb|order=flip}}, and {{cvt|3000|kg|lb|order=flip}} and sharing a single nose and a single tail fuze. The bomb could be dropped from up to {{cvt|12000|m|ft|order=flip}} and up to {{cvt|1000|km/h|mph|order=flip}}. The original, 1946-series bombs had poor ballistic characteristics at [[supersonic]] speed, and their construction was fragile. As an interim measure, upgraded versions of the bombs were built with thicker walls and no nose fuze. The thick-walled version of the bombs was built until 1956.

The 1954 series of high-drag bombs was built in six sizes: {{cvt|250|kg|lb|order=flip}}, {{cvt|500|kg|lb|order=flip}}, {{cvt|1,500|kg|lb|order=flip}}, {{cvt|3,000|kg|lb|order=flip}}, {{cvt|5,000|kg|lb|order=flip}}, and {{cvt|9,000|kg|lb|order=flip}}.  A feature of the 1954 series of bombs is the ballistic ring on the nose of the bomb which acts as a vortex generator to aid the bomb's stabilizers.<ref>{{Cite book|title=Soviet / Russian aircraft weapons : since World War Two|last=Gordon|first=Yefim|date=2004|page=158|publisher=Midland Publishing|isbn=1857801881|location=Hinkley|oclc=56650196}}</ref>  The smaller (less than {{cvt|3000|kg|lb|order=flip|disp=or}}) bombs had a single nose and a single tail fuze, while the larger weapons shared a single nose fuze and two base fuzes. The FAB-9000 ({{cvt|9,000|kg|lb|order=flip|disp=or}}) weapon was roughly comparable to the [[World War II|wartime]] [[Grand Slam bomb]]. It was used by Soviet aircraft designers as a substitute for early [[nuclear weapon]]s when determining the size and clearances of bomb bays.

In 1962 a new series of streamlined, low-drag bombs was introduced, designed for external carriage by [[fighter-bomber]] aircraft rather than in internal bays. They come in only two sizes, {{cvt|250|kg|lb|order=flip}} and {{cvt|500|kg|lb|order=flip}}. Both bombs have a single nose fuze.

Both the 54 and 62 series designs remain in use. The most common of these are the FAB-100, FAB-250, FAB-500, and FAB-1500, roughly corresponding to the U.S. Mark 80 series. These have seen widespread service in Russia, [[Warsaw Pact]] nations, and various export countries.

Larger bombs with less streamlined shapes also remained in the Soviet arsenal, primarily for use by heavy bombers. In the [[Iran–Iraq War]], FAB-5000 ({{cvt|5,000|kg|lb|order=flip|disp=or}}) and FAB-9000 ({{cvt|9,000|kg|lb|order=flip|disp=or}}) bombs were dropped by [[Iraqi Air Force]] [[Tupolev Tu-22]] bombers, generally against large, fixed targets in Iran.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.acig.info/CMS/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=249&Itemid=47|title=Bombed by Blinders|publisher=Air Combat Information Group|date=December 5, 2010}}</ref> In [[Afghanistan]] in the 1980s, Soviet [[Tupolev Tu-16]] and [[Tupolev Tu-22M]] bombers used massive FAB-1500, FAB-3000, [[FAB-5000|FAB-5000NG]], and [[FAB-9000]] bombs to devastating effect during the [[Panjshir offensives]]. More recently, many Russian FAB-500 and FAB-1500 general-purpose bombs were converted to [[precision munition]]s through the addition of mass-produced so-called [[UMPK]] kits, which add battery-powered electrically actuated pop-out wings and [[flight control surface]]s as well as guidance electronics, all of whose addition turns unguided gravity bombs into smart bombs with a [[Gliding (flight)#Glide ratio|glide ratio]] comparable to that of the [[Space Shuttle]].

On 20 June 2024, Russia claimed that it used, for the first time, a FAB-3000 modified with a guidance wing kit near Lyptsi in Kharkiv Oblast. Russian media claimed that it was aimed at Ukrainian soldiers, Ukraine claimed that it narrowly missed a hospital. Russia announced that it was restarting production of the FAB-3000 in March 2024.<ref>{{cite news |title= Russia’s first use of FAB-3000 guided bomb — video |url=https://english.nv.ua/nation/russia-s-first-use-of-fab-3000-guided-bomb-video-50428921.html |access-date=21 June 2024|publisher=New Voice of Ukraine|date=21 June 2024 |language=en}}</ref> More purported uses of the bomb in the same region took place in the next days with videos appeared online.<ref>{{cite web | title=105.000 κιλά βομβών FAB-3000 χτύπησαν ουκρανικούς στόχους στο Χάρκοβο! – Η μυρωδιά των καμμένων έφτασε μέχρι το Κίεβο | website=Pronews.gr | date=2024-06-24 | url=https://www.pronews.gr/amyna-asfaleia/enoples-sygkroyseis/105-000-kila-vomvon-fab-3000-xtypisan-oukranikous-stoxous-sto-xarkovo-i-myrodia-ton-kammenon-eftase-mexri-to-kievo/ | language=el | ref={{sfnref | Pronews.gr | 2024}} | access-date=2024-07-15}}</ref> The Russian Ministry of Defense officially announced the use of the bomb on 14  July 2024 by publishing a video which showed a [[Su-34]] tactical bomber launching it.<ref>{{cite web | title=Russian Air Force Unveils FAB-3000 Powerful Aerial Bomb Fitted with Guidance Kit Used in Ukraine | website=Defense News security global military army equipment industry | date=2024-07-14 | url=https://armyrecognition.com/focus-analysis-conflicts/army/conflicts-in-the-world/russia-ukraine-war-2022/russian-air-force-unveils-fab-3000-powerful-aerial-bomb-fitted-with-guidance-kit-used-in-ukraine | ref={{sfnref | Defense News security global military army equipment industry | 2024}} | access-date=2024-07-15}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Экипаж истребителя бомбардировщика Су 34 нанес удар ФАБ 3000 | website=YouTube | date=2024-07-14 | url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z5riYK_18F8 | ref={{sfnref | YouTube | 2024}} | access-date=2024-07-15}}</ref>

* FAB-100<ref>{{cite web |url=http://weaponsystems.net/weaponsystem/HH12%20-%20FAB%20M62.html |title = FAB M62 {{!}} Weaponsystems.net}}</ref>
* FAB-250M-54<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/fab-250.htm |title = FAB-250 General purpose Bomb}}</ref>
* [[KhAB-250]], [[KhAB-500]]
* IAB-500 (inert training); other = liquid fuel phosphorus incendiary
* [[FAB-500]] (F = HE); [[FAB-500#Variants|FAB-500M-54]],  [[FAB-500#Variants|FAB-500M-62]]
* FAB-1500<ref name="cnn1">{{cite news |url=https://www.cnn.com/2024/03/10/europe/russian-guided-bomb-ukraine-frontline-intl/index.html |title=Russia's new guided bomb inflicts devastation and heavy casualties on the Ukrainian frontlines |date=10 March 2024 }}</ref><ref name="for1">{{cite news |url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidaxe/2024/03/25/dont-fear-russias-66-ton-glide-bomb-its-massive-overkill-when-a-11-ton-glide-bomb-will-kill-you-just-fine/?sh=75b278fb7b3b | title=Don't Fear Russia's 3.3-Ton Glide-Bomb. It's Massive Overkill when a 1.1-Ton Glide-Bomb Will Kill You Just Fine }}</ref><ref name="kyi1">{{cite news |url=https://kyivindependent.com/police-russia-uses-fab-1500-air-dropped-bomb-for-first-time-against-kharkiv-oblast/ |title=Police: Russia drops 1,500-kilogram bomb on village in Kharkiv Oblast |date=6 May 2024 }}</ref><ref name="ind1">{{cite news |url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/europe/glide-bomb-russia-ukraine-air-strikes-weapons-b2526347.html |title=The Russian glide bombs changing the face of the war in Ukraine |date=10 April 2024 }}</ref>
* FAB-3000<ref>{{cite web | title=В России с февраля наладили массовое производство авиабомб ФАБ-3000 | website=[[TASS]] | date=2024-03-21 | url=https://tass.ru/armiya-i-opk/20307541 | language=ru | ref={{sfnref | TACC | 2024}} | access-date=2024-03-22}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Glide bombs increase efficiency of Russian aviation several-fold | website=TASS | date=2024-03-22 | url=https://tass.com/defense/1763999 | ref={{sfnref | TASS | 2024}} | access-date=2024-03-23}}</ref>
* various nuclear ABs
* ZAB (Z = incendiary), P-50T (smoke/incendiary);
* FZAB; OFZAB, OZAB
* ODAB (OD = vacuum)
* OFAB, OAB (oskolochno = fragmentation)
* DAB (smoke), SAB = flare or free fall HE
* BetAB (concrete-piercing), BrAB (armour-piercing); PTAB (AT)
* RBK
* LAB (laser), UAB & UPAB (guided), IKAB TAB (thermal IR) TelAB (cam)
* [[KAB-250]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.janes.com/article/55095/russia-s-kab-250-guided-bomb-to-complete-trials-this-year |title = Janes {{!}} Latest defence and security news}}</ref>  [[KAB-250S-E]],<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/russia/bombs.htm |title = Russian Aviation Bombs}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.cat-uxo.com/#/aircraft-bombs-russian/4583661419 |title = CAT-UXO}}</ref> [[KAB-250LG-E]]
* [[KAB-500L]] (K = correction of trajectory) guided, [[KAB-500Kr]]
* KAB-1500Kr, [[KAB-1500L]]
* [[PBK-500U Drel]]
* ODAB-500PM
* [[FOAB|AVBPM]]

[[File:Aasm5.jpg|thumb|right|French-built Mark 80 bombs equipped with [[Armement Air-Sol Modulaire|AASM]] guidance and range extension kits]]

===French general-purpose bombs===

France produces or has produced numerous types of general-purpose bombs with weights ranging from {{cvt|50|kg|lb}} to {{cvt|1,000|kg|lb}}, including US Mark 80 models.

Until 2011, bomb casings were made by the ''Société des Ateliers Mécaniques de Pont-sur-Sambre''. The acronym “SAMP” identifies these bombs, along with various type codes such as EU2 and T200.<ref>[https://aviationsmilitaires.net/v3/kb/externalload/list/7/m/788/ List of SAMP bombs on AviationsMilitaires.net]</ref> Since 2019, bomb casings are made at a new factory in [[Rouvignies]] and are filled with explosives at another factory in [[Sorgues]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.opex360.com/2019/10/07/avec-lusine-4-0-du-groupe-rafaut-la-france-sera-moins-dependante-des-corps-de-bombes-acquis-a-letranger/|title=Avec l'usine 4.0 du groupe Rafaut, la France sera moins dépendante des corps de bombes acquis à l'étranger|website=Zone Militaire|date=2019-10-07|language=fr}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.challenges.fr/entreprise/aeronautique/aeronautique-lentreprise-aresia-sarme-pour-leconomie-de-guerre_845135|url-access=subscription|title=Aéronautique: l'entreprise Aresia s'arme pour l'économie de guerre|website=Challenges|date=2023-02-12|language=fr}}</ref>

=== Indian general-purpose bombs ===
India's [[Defence Research and Development Organisation]] (DRDO) has developed the [[High Speed Low Drag Bomb]] or HSLD series of general-purpose bombs. Size variations of these bombs are {{cvt|100|kg|lb|order=}}, {{cvt|250|kg|lb|order=}}, {{cvt|450|kg|lb|order=}} and {{cvt|500|kg|lb|order=}}. The 450&nbsp;kg and 500&nbsp;kg bombs have precision-guided versions as well. The bombs are manufactured by [[Munitions India|Munitions India Limited]].

===Other nations===
Other countries, including Australia,<ref>{{cite web |title=Bombs &#124; Australian Munitions |url=http://www.australian-munitions.com.au/portfolio-item/bombs/ |publisher=Australian Munitions |access-date=27 December 2016}}</ref> Azerbaijan, Brazil, Chile, Greece,<ref>{{cite web |title=Ordtech General Purpose Aircraft Bombs Mk81, Mk82, Mk83, Mk84 |url=http://www.ordtech-industries.com/2products/Bomb_General/Bomb_General.html |publisher=Ordtech Military Industries |access-date=27 December 2016 |archive-date=7 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161207235344/http://www.ordtech-industries.com/2products/Bomb_General/Bomb_General.html |url-status=dead }}</ref> Israel, Italy, Pakistan, Poland, Portugal, Romania, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, and Turkey, manufacture their own bombs, most of which are either licensed versions of the U.S. Mark 80 series or close copies.