DESTRUCTORS
LEARNING OBJECTIVE Identify the types,
purpose, and use of destructors (DSTs).
The destructor mine consists of an LDGP aircraft
bomb and a Mk 75 modification kit. The Mk 75
modification kit (fig. 1-35) contains the Mk 32 arming
device, Mk 59 booster, Mk 42 firing mechanism, and all
necessary hardware (less battery and fin assembly) to
convert an LDGP bomb to an air-laid mine. The firing
mechanism of the Mk 42 arming device requires the use
of a Mk 95 battery, which must be installed during
assembly procedures.
With the Mk 75 kit installed, a Mk 82 LDGP bomb
(500 pounds) becomes a Mk 36 DST, a Mk 83 LDGP
bomb (1,000 pounds) becomes a Mk 40 DST, and a Mk
84 LDGP bomb (2,000 pounds) becomes a Mk 41 DST.
The Mk 36 and Mk 40 DSTs can be dropped in the
retarded or nonretarded mode of delivery. The
installation of a conical fin provides nonretarded
(free-fall) delivery only. The installation of a Snakeye
fin assembly provides the pilot with the in-flight option
of releasing the DST in the retarded or nonretarded
mode. The Mk 41 DST is configured with a conical fin
for nonretarded delivery only. DSTs are identified by
REVIEW NUMBER 6 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS Q1. THROUGH Q7.
A1. Normally low-drag general-purpose (LDGP) bombs are used in bombing
operations. Currently, Mk 80 (series) LDGP bombs are used.
A2. Bombs are shipped on metal pallets because of their increased capacity and for
grounding purposes over wooden pallets.
A3. Suspension lugs are used to fasten the weapons to the aircraft bomb racks.
A4. The two types of bomb fins are the conical and Snakeye fins.
A5. The Mk 15 fin is used with the Mk 82 bomb in either a low-drag or high-drag
configuration.
A6. The ADU-320/B adapter is used to mate the MAU-91A/B fin to the Mk 83 bomb.
A7. The three modes of delivery used with Snakeye fins are the retarded mode, used
during low-level bombing; nonretarded mode, in which the weapon free falls to
the target; and the in-flight selected mode (pilot option), where the pilot selects
either the retarded or nonretarded mode of delivery.
REVIEW NUMBER 7 ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS Q1. THROUGH Q3.
A1. Laser-guided bombs detect a target illuminated by a laser beam.
A2. Electrical tail fuzes are used in laser-guided bombs.
A3. The wing assembly is mounted on the aft end of the bomb body to add aerodynamic
stability and lift for in-flight maneuvering.
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