BL755 CLUSTER BOMB
  

The BL 755 is a system that was designed to cope with some of the very large area targets that might have been encountered on the Central Front, especially large Warsaw Pact armoured formations of Regimental strength (90+ tanks) or more. 

The weapon can be carried by Tornado GR1, Harrier, Jaguar, Buccaneer and Phantom and consists of a large container which is divided into seven compartments. 

Each of these compartments contains 21 bomblets making a total of 147 bomblets in all. After the bomb has been released from the aircraft, the 147 bomblets are ejected and fall to the ground, covering a wide area. As each individual bomblet hits a target, a HEAT charge is detonated which can fire a large slug of molten metal through up to 250 mm of armour. 

In addition, the casing of the bomblet disintegrates and hundreds of fragments of shrapnel are dispersed over a wide area, with resultant damage to personnel and soft- skinned vehicles.

The BL 755 can be released at very low altitude and this is essential if pilots are to survive in the high-density SAM conditions that will apply over the Central Front. Aircraft will only have the chance to make one pass over the target before the defences are alerted, and for a pilot to make a second pass to ensure accuracy would be suicidal.

It is intended that the Brimstone missile will replace the BL 755 in the anti-armour role.

CVR-7

This is an air-to-air and air-to-surface rocket system. Each rocket pod, weighing 240 kg carries 19 rockets. The HE warhead is designed for use against light armour, vehicles, small vessels and helicopters. Deployed on the Jaguar and Harrier.

1,000 lb HIGH EXPLOSIVE BOMB

Conventional 1,000 lb (454 kg) bombs are still in service as are Mark 1 and Mark 2 bombs weighing 570 lb (260 kg). By adding the Hunting 118 retarding tail the weight of the latter is increased to 670 lb (304 kg).

PAVEWAY II

Paveway II is the standard 1,000 lb (454 kg) general purpose bomb for use against moderately well-protected targets. 

Paveway II can be fitted with a laser-guidance kit and the bomb can be  used in the free-fall or retarded mode.

Used on the Tornado GR4, Harrier, Jaguar and Typhoon.

ENHANCED PAVEWAY

Shortcomings in target acquisition during the 1999 Kosovo conflict resulted in a requirement for the RAF to obtain a weapon to satisfy all-weather 24-hour tasking. The Enhanced Paveway (EPW) family of weapons meets this requirement, and the EPWII entered service in 2001 and the larger EPWIII entered service in late 2002. 

Both EPWII and EPWIII are based on their laser-guided bomb variants, the Paveway II and Paveway III respectively, and utilise the same warheads and fin sections. However, the EPW weapons have a modified guidance section and wiring to accommodate a Global Positioning System Aided Inertial Navigation System (GAINS). EPW (also known as Paveway IV) is carried by the Tornado GR4.

In Iraq, during Operation Telic in early 2003 the RAF used 360 x Enhanced Paveway PGMs, and 255 Paveway II/III LGBs. Enhanced Paveway was described by the RAF officers as “the weapon of choice”.

ENHANCED PAVEWAY Specifications
Length (EPW2)	3.7m
Length (EPW3)	4.4m
Weight (EPW2)	545kg
Weight (EPW3)	1,130kg
Guidance	GPS

 

 

PAVEWAY IV

 

In late 2003 the UK MoD selected the Paveway IV PGM in preference to the Boeing Joint Direct Attack Munition (JDAM). Paveway IV has the ability to engage targets in all types of weather with laser guidance for high terminal accuracy.

The Paveway IV kit, is equipped with a GPS/INS (Global Positioning System/Inertial Navigation System) and a SAL (Semi-Active Laser) terminal seeker. The total value of the contract is believed to be in the region of £100 million.

Paveway IV is a is a joint development by the UK-based Raytheon Systems Ltd (RSL) and Raytheon Missile Systems (RMS) in the US.

Paveway IV kits, fitted to 227kg (500 lb) bombs, will enter service in late 2006 or early 2007.

Photo Copyright Raytheon Systems