BLU-14
| BLU-14/B | |
|---|---|
| Type | General-purpose bomb |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 766 lb (347 kg) |
| Length | 8 ft (2.4 m) |
| Diameter | 11.25 in (286 mm) |
| Filling | Destex ( +- 75% TNT 18.7% Al +- 5% wax +- 1.97% C6 graphite ) |
| Filling weight | 236 lb (107 kg) |
The BLU-14/B was an
mine for release by low-flying (down to 11 m (35 ft) altitude) aircraft.[1] It was a derivative of the MLU-10/B 750 lb (340 kg) land mine,[2] and therefore essentially identical in shape and weight to the BLU-31/B anti-vehicle demolition mine and bomb.[3]
The designation "BLU" stands for Bomb Live Unit, as opposed to "BDU" (Bomb Dummy Units) used for practice.
The BLU-14/B has a low, stable ricochet trajectory that is predictable within close limits. It will penetrate into the ground at an angle that is less than half that required by an M117 bomb.[4] The BLU-14/B and MLU-10/B differ only in regard to their respective fusing.[5]
All three weapons (the BLU-14, MLU-10, and MLU-31) have a blunt flat front end of 2.5 in (6.4 cm) thickness.[6]
References
- ^ "BAK to BSU/BSG - Equipment Listing".
- ^ "MAU to MXU/MXK/MXG - Equipment Listing".
- ^ "BAK to BSU/BSG - Equipment Listing".
- ^ Offen, George R., 1st Lieutenant, USAF, Project Engineer, "Engineering Evaluation of M117 Bomb with Blunt Nose", Technical Documentary Report No. APGC-TDR-64-51, APGC Project 0157W, Munitions Test Directorate, Deputy for Test Operations, Air Proving Ground Center, Air Force Systems Command, USAF, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, August 1964, Section 1 - Introduction, page 1.
- ^ Offen, George R., 1st Lieutenant, USAF, Project Engineer, "Engineering Evaluation of M117 Bomb with Blunt Nose", Technical Documentary Report No. APGC-TDR-64-51, APGC Project 0157W, Munitions Test Directorate, Deputy for Test Operations, Air Proving Ground Center, Air Force Systems Command, USAF, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, August 1964, Section 1 - Introduction, page 2.
- ^ Offen, George R., 1st Lieutenant, USAF, Project Engineer, "Engineering Evaluation of M117 Bomb with Blunt Nose", Technical Documentary Report No. APGC-TDR-64-51, APGC Project 0157W, Munitions Test Directorate, Deputy for Test Operations, Air Proving Ground Center, Air Force Systems Command, USAF, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, August 1964, Section 4 - Discussion, page 27.