AN-52 bomb
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The AN-52 was a French pre-strategic nuclear weapon carried by
fighter bomber
aircraft.
The weapon was first tested on 28 August 1972, and entered service in October of that year. Between 80 and 100 bombs were manufactured for use by French tactical aircraft.
Description
The AN-52 was 4.2 m (13 ft 9 in) long and weighed 455 kg (1,003 lb). It shared the
kilotons
and a higher-yield version with a 25 kt yield.
Operational use
It was carried by
ASMP
nuclear cruise missile.
It was retired in 1992 in favour of the
ASMP
missile.
Preserved examples
A practice example of the AN 52 is preserved on its trolley in the main hangar at the Musée de l'aéronautique navale , Rochefort, France. Note the AN 52 is not identified as such and has neither labeling or signage.
References
- Norris, Robert, Burrows, Andrew, Fieldhouse, Richard Nuclear Weapons Databook, Volume V, British, French and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, San Francisco, Westview Press, 1994, ISBN 0-8133-1612-X