B77 nuclear bomb
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The B77 was designed to match the delivery capabilities of the B-1A bomber. It was to replace the Mk 28 and Mk 43 bombs in the strategic bombardment role. The specifications for the B77 required Full Fusing Options (FUFO) and the ability for a low altitude, transonic laydown delivery, as well as a free fall from supersonic speeds and altitudes of 60,000 feet delivery. The bomb was also to be capable of delivery by a variety of aircraft besides the B-1A. To achieve the low-level delivery capability, the B77 employed a gas generator for roll control and a lifting parachute as the initial part of a two stage parachute system. This combination would actually lift the bomb from a drop altitude of 100 feet to 300 feet for main parachute opening. The roll control/parachute system was tested at mach 2.2. From a delivery altitude of 100 feet at mach 2.2, the B77 could be slowed to 40 mph allowing the delivery aircraft to be 2.3 miles past ground zero. Actual detonation time could be varied after the laydown had occurred.
The B77 was cancelled in December 1977, not only because of the demise of the delivery system it was tailored to, but because of the excessive cost of the weapon. Many components of the B77 were incorporated in the B83 which was developed in its place.
[edit] See also
[edit] References
- Hansen, Chuck. U.S. Nuclear Weapons. Arlington, Texas, Areofax, Inc., 1988. ISBN 0-517-56740-7.
- Hansen, Chuck, "Swords of Armageddon," Sunnyvale, CA, Chucklea Publications, 1995.
