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Close Air Support Munitions


F-100 w Snake & Nape
Snake & Nape:   F-100 dropping Mk 82 Snakeye retarded bomb with BLU-1/B finned napalm canisters on the outboard pylons.   (USAF photo)   (Click image for larger view)


Mk82 LD bomb     U. S. General Purpose Bombs Used in Southeast Asia

MK80-series of GP Bombs (comparison image)


Aerial Munition Minimum Safe Distances

Weapon Type Weight (LB) Protected Troops Unprotected Troops
    MK 81 LD GP bomb 250 215 m 620 m
    MK 82 LD GP bomb 500 225 m 700 m
    MK 82 HD GP bomb 500 170 m 700 m
    M117 LD GP bomb 750 215 m 830 m
    M117 HD GP bomb 750 160 m 830 m
    MK 84 LD GP bomb 2,000 250 m 720 m
    M118 LD GP bomb 3,000 250 m 1,174 m
    Napalm Incendiary   115 m ---
    CBU (except 24/49) Cluster bomb   110 m 250 m
    CBU 24/49 Cluster bomb   1,000 m 1,000 m
    Rockets 2.75 in.   215 m 215 m
    Guns 20mm   45 m ---

NOTE:   LD: Low drag (no retardation)     HD: High drag (" Snakeye" retardation fins)    • More

Source:
Appendix 2: General Air Munitions Data   (scroll all the way down)
Vietnam Lessons Learned No. 77: Fire Support Coordination in the Republic of Vietnam
United States Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, 20 May 1970

         Original Document (pdf, page C-60)



Additional Details on General Purpose (GP) Bombs & Fuses   (PDF; detailed)


Links to additional Close Air Support information:


Description of the Tactical Air Control System (TACS)
• TACS Areas of Responsibility (AOR)

Primer on Close Air Support Procedures
• CAS Guide for Ground Commanders

Primer on CAS munitions



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