[VelociMorte]

Anti-Tank Cluster Bomb
Type

Cluster bomb.

Development

This anti-tank cluster bomb has been developed by the China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) for use by the People's Liberation Army Air Force (PLAAF). The development is believed to have taken place in the mid-1980s and appears to use the same body components as the NORINCO anti-runway cluster bomb. The bomb is designed to carry 16 sensor fuzed submunitions/bomblets which were developed for the purpose of attacking tanks through their top armour. The cluster bomb is fitted with Russian spaced suspension lugs and is believed to have been cleared for carriage on J-7 (MiG-21), Q-5 (A-5 `Fantan'), J-8 `Finback', Su-27 (J-11) `Flanker' and Su-30MKK aircraft of the PLAAF.

Description

The cluster bomb is similar in size and appearance to the Chilean family of general purpose cluster bombs and probably uses the same body components as NORINCO's other cluster bombs. Its cylindrical canister-shaped body has an ogival nose and a flip-out cruciform tail assembly. The bomb is fitted with standard Russian 250 mm spaced suspension lugs, and is reported to be available also with NATO 356 mm spaced lugs. The bomb is 2.5 m long, has a body diameter of 410 mm, and weighs 350 kg. The tailspan closed is 0.45 m and it extends to 0.72 m once the bomb has cleared the release aircraft. The bomb is loaded with 16 sensor fuzed bomblets, which are each 0.22 m long, have a body diameter of 135 mm and weigh 4.5 kg. After release from the parent aircraft the flip-out rear fins extend and the cluster bomb follows a normal ballistic trajectory. At a predetermined altitude the outer case of the bomb opens and the 16 submunitions are ejected and spread over a wide area. Each bomblet has a retarding parachute which decelerates it to a speed of 8 to 15 m/s with a spin rate of 4 to 6 rps. When in this relatively stable state the sensor in the bomblet commences scanning for a target. On sensing a target a rocket motor in the bomblet is ignited which transforms the bomblet into a projectile with a velocity of more than 2,000 m/s. At this speed the bomblet's HE warhead has enough kinetic energy to penetrate up to 50 mm of armour at an impact angle of 30º. The cluster bomb has a minimum release altitude of 200 m at speeds between 600 and 1,000 km/h.

Operational status

It is believed that the anti-tank cluster bomb is in service with the PLAAF. There are no known exports.


Cluster Bomb
Length: 2.5 m
Body diameter: 410 mm
Tailspan: 0.45 m (closed); 0.72 m (extended)
Lug spacing: 250/356 mm
Weight: 350 kg
Filling: 16 bomblets

Bomblet
Length: 0.22 m
Body diameter: 135 mm
Tailspan: n/k
Lug spacing: n/a
Weight: 4.5 kg
Filling: HE shaped charge


Contractor

China North Industries Corporation (NORINCO) (prime contractor)


Beijing.