The Mark 82 serMK82 AIR is a 500 pound bomb modified with a BSU-49/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. ies has been around since the early 1960’s

The MK-82 A The MK-82 AIR is a MK-82 modified by attaching a BSU-49/B AIR tail assembly. The MK-82 AIR is about 20 lbs. heavier and 5 inches longer than the MK-82 Low Drag General Purpose (LDGP) bomb. The AIR provides a high speed, low altitude delivery capability due to increasing the bomb trail. Additionally, bomb ricocheting or broaching is less likely due to increased impact angles.

The BSU-49/B tail assembly weighs 56 lbs. The length is 26 inches and the fin span is 15 inches. The MK-82 AIR release is cockpit selectable as high drag or low drag. The weapon can be delivered at speeds from 200 to 700 knots. However, low drag deliveries should be limited to 600 knots maximum due to ballistic instability, which causes excessive dispersion.IR is a MK-82 modified by attaching a BSU-49/B AIR tail assembly. The MK-82 AIR is about 20 lbs. heavier and 5 inches longer than the MK-82 Low Drag General Purpose (LDGP) bomb. The AIR provides a high speed, low altitude delivery capability due to increasing the bomb trail. Additionally, bomb ricocheting or broaching is less likely due to increased impact angles.

The BSU-49/B tail assembly weighs 56 lbs. The length is 26 inches and the fin span is 15 inches. The MK-82 AIR release is cockpit selectable as high drag or low drag. The weapon can be delivered at speeds from 200 to 700 knots. However, low drag deliveries should be limited to 600 knots maximum due to ballistic instability, which causes excessive dispersion.

My thanks to Videoaviation and to IPMS/USA for the chance to review it.