Mark 81 bomb

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Mk 81
Image:Mark 81 bombs.jpg Crewmen upload three Mark 81 general purpose high explosive bombs, with Mark 14 TRD (Tail Retarding Device) attached, aboard an A-4F Skyhawk aircraft from Marine Attack Squadron 133 (VMA-133).
Primary Function:	free-fall, general purpose bomb - blast and fragmentation
Length:	74 in (1880 mm)
Diameter:	9 in (229 mm)
Range:	Varies by method of employment
Explosive content:	96 lb (44 kg)
Total weight:	262 lb (119 kg)

The Mark 81 (Mk 81) 250 lb (113 kg) general purpose bomb (nicknamed "Firecracker") was the smallest of the Mark 80 series of low-drag general-purpose bombs. Developed for United States military forces in the 1950s, it was first used during the Vietnam War. The bomb consists of a cast steel case with 96 lb (44 kg) of H6,Minol or Tritonal explosive. The power of the Mk 81 was found to be inadequate for U.S. military tactical use, and it was quickly discontinued, although license-built copies or duplicates of this weapon remain in service with various other nations. Development of a precision guided variant of the Mk 81 bomb (GBU-29) was started due to its potential to reduce collateral damage compared to larger bombs, but this program has now been cancelled<ref>Global Security</ref> in favor of the Small Diameter Bomb.

[edit] Variants

Mark 81 Snakeye fitted with a Mark 14 TRD (Tail Retarding Device) to increase the bomb's drag after release, allowing very low level bombing runs.