Info about the "Air to Ground" Missiles...
MK - 84 General Purpose Bomb...
General Characteristics...
MK-84 is a free-fall, nonguided GP 2,000-pound bomb. The MK 80 series Low Drag General Purpose (LDGP) bombs are used in
the majority of bombing operations where maximum blast and explosive effects are desired. LDGP bombs are designed to be
aerodynamically streamlined. Their cases are relatively light and approximately 45 percent of their complete weight is
explosive. General purpose bombs may use both nose and tail fuzes and conical or retarded tail fins. Normal fuzes are the
mechanical M904 (nose) and the M905 (tail). Most of the over 12,000 MK-84s expended during Desert Storm were dropped by
Air Force F-15Es, F-16s and F-111Fs; less than 1,000 of the total were dropped by Marine Corps tactical aircraft.
The MK84 AIR is a 2,000 pound bomb modified with a BSU-50/B high drag tail assembly. The "ballute" air bag which deploys
from the tail provides a high speed, low altitude delivery capability by quickly slowing the bomb and allowing the aircraft
to escape the blast pattern. The tail assembly consists of a low-drag canister unit containing a ballute (combination
balloon and parachute), and a release lanyard assembly that opens the canister releasing the ballute. The ballute assembly
is made from high strength low porosity nylon fabric. When the bomb is released from the aircraft a lanyard unlatches the
back cover which opens, releasing part of the nylon bag/retarder. Air turbulence at the rear of the bomb acts on that
portion of the retarder, pulling the remainder out of the housing. Ram air inflation is accomplished through four air
inlet ports toward the aft end of the ballute.
The weapon can be delivered in the low-drag mode (canister remains closed after release) or in the high drag mode. The
pilot may select either a high drag or low drag configuration depending on mission requirements. The MK-80 series was
developed in the 1950s in response to the need for bombs producing less aerodynamic drag. All MK-80 series bombs are
similar in construction. MK-80 series bombs are cylindrical in shape and are equipped with conical fins or retarders
for external high-speed carriage. They are fitted for both nose and tail fuzes to ensure reliability and produce effects
of blast, cratering, or fragmentation. During Desert Storm the MK-80 series of bombs were dropped from literally every
fixed-wing aircraft that supported the ground offensive.
The bombs were used against a wide variety of targets, including artillery, trucks, bunkers, Scuds, surface-to-air missile
sites, antiaircraft artillery sites, early warning radars, and supply points.