Although not classified as practice bombs, the Mk
80 (series), inert filled, LDGP bombs are used for
full-scale practice bombing. These bombs are
physically the same as the Mk 80 (series) LDGP service
bombs, but they do not contain explosive filler and are
painted blue. These bombs provide full-scale training
for assembly and loading crews and pilots.
The general types of practice bombs are subcaliber
or full-scale practice bombs. Subcaliber means that the
practice bomb is much smaller in size and weight than
the service bomb it simulates. Full-scale practice
bombs are representative of service bombs in their size
and weight.
SUBCALIBER PRACTICE BOMBS
There are two types of subcaliber practice
bombsthe Mk 76 Mod 5 and BDU-48/B. The two
types are used for practice and are quite different in
design and appearance from each other.
Mk 76 Mod 5
The Mk 76 Mod 5 is a 25-pound, solid, metal-cast,
practice bomb (fig. 1-34). Its body is teardrop shaped
and centrally bored to permit the insertion of a practice
bomb signal cartridge. The after body, which covers the
tail tube, is crimped to the bomb body and has
welded-on tail fins. The bomb is designed with single
lug suspension, using the Mk 14 suspension lug.
The Mk 76 Mod 5 practice bomb is designed for
impact firing only. It uses the Mk 1 firing pin assembly
to initiate the practice bomb signal cartridge. The bomb
signal and the firing pin assembly are held in the bomb
by means of a cotter pin.
The bomb is painted blue. The identification
nomenclature is stenciled in white letters on the bomb
body.
BDU-48/B
The BDU-48/B is a 10-pound practice bomb (fig.
1-35). It is a thin-cased cylindrical bomb used to
simulate retarded weapon delivery. The bomb is
composed of the bomb body, a retractable suspension
lug, a firing assembly, and box-type conical fins.
The firing device (fig. 1-35) consists of a firing pin
assembly and a cotter pin. The BDU-48/B is painted
blue. Identification nomenclature is stenciled in white
letters on the bomb body.
The bomb can use signal cartridge Mk 4 Mod 3, or
CXU-3A/B. While handling or transporting bombs,
loaders should avoid placing their bodies in line with
either end of the bomb.
REVIEW NUMBER 8 ANSWERS
A1.
The cargo section is the main structure of the
Mk 7 bomb dispenser.
A2.
The Mk 20 bomb cluster weighs 490 pounds
and holds 247 Mk 118 antitank bomblets.
A3.
The tail cone assembly, attached to the aft end
of the cargo section, stabilizes the bomb after
it is released from the aircraft.
A4.
The Mk 339 Mod 1 mechanical time fuze is
used to initiate the linear-shaped charges in
the cargo section wall.
A5.
The Mk 118 Mod 0 and Mod 1 antitank bombs
contain the following:
Mk 1 Mod 0 fuzing system
Shaped-charge warhead
Fixed stabilizing fins
A6.
The Mk 427 Mod 0 and Mod 1 shipping
containers are used to ship and store Mk 20
bomb clusters.
FULL-SCALE PRACTICE BOMBS
Full-scale
practice
bombs
have
the
same
dimensions, weight factor, and configuration abilities
as the service bombs they simulate. The bombs are
filled with inert material to obtain the proper weight.
The full-scale practice bombs (fig. 1-36) currently
in use are in the Mk 80 (series). They include the Mk
82, Mk 83, and Mk 84 LDGP bombs. These bombs are
assigned
a
different
NALC
than
their
service
counterpart to differentiate between inert and service
bombs when requisitioning them through the supply
system. They can be configured with the same bomb
components (fuzes, fins, lugs, and so forth) that are
used to configure service bombs. However, if the use of
1-38
Figure 1-34.Mk 76 Mod 5 practice bomb.
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