BLU-14

The BLU-14/B was a 347 kg (766 lb) ground-penetrating anti-vehicle 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. land mine,[2] and therefore essentially identical in shape and weight to the BLU-31/B anti-vehicle demolition mine and bomb.[3]

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 (BLU-14, MLU-10, and MLU-31) have a blunt flat front end of 2 1/2 inch thickness.[6]

The designation "BLU" stands for Bomb Live Unit, as opposed to "BDU" (Bomb Dummy Units) used for practice.

Specifications

Data for BLU-31/B:
Length: 2.40 m (8.0 ft)
Diameter: 28.6 cm (11.25 in)
Finspan: 38.4 cm (15.1 in)
Weight: 347 kg (766 lb)
Explosive: 107 kg (236 lb) Destex

References

  1. ↑ http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/asetds/u-b.html
  2. ↑ http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/asetds/u-m.html#_MLU
  3. ↑ http://www.designation-systems.net/usmilav/asetds/u-b.html
  4. ↑ 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.
  5. ↑ 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.
  6. ↑ 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.
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