Bad day to be the enemy:

http://www.fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/dumb/cbu-97.htm


I don't know how, exactly- but we seem to have "bomblets" capable of destroying any enemy armor (including tanks).
This bomb, when properly deployed, can take out 40 armorned vehicles at a time. If loaded properly, an F-15 has the firepower to destroy
640 hard targets with one bomb load. That would severely curtail the tank advantage Russia has over us, if that had ever happened...

On the Military Channel yesterday, they showed this weapon in actions; all I can say is- for something that doesn't make a lot of noise, it certainly can make a big mess.
It's good to be on our side; because if this bad boy ever detonates over your head; you're about to have a very bad day.

 

I saw this on an episode of future weapons. That is one bad **** right there.

 

So its like a cluster bomb that A-10s use?

 

How does it ensure the pods hit armor and not just the ground?

 

http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/fu.../photo_10.html

and

http://www.systems.textron.com/mainf.../05_16_06.html

 

Each bomblet has a sensor that detects the target on the ground. (metal, givign off a certain heat signature). Before the tubes hit the ground, their rocket powered encasement pushes them so many feet off the ground, and the spinners are released. Their sensor "sees" the target, then fires projectile molten copper into the vehicle, detonating the fuel, weapons, and in the process killing and/or severely injuring the people inside.

The bomb they showed yesterday is $1,000,000 per bomb (significantly more expensive than the ones pictured here) and has only been fired twice in combat, once in Iraq, and once in Afghanistan. it's still being tested.

The bomb in this picture is in the field, but seems to be very-very close to what they showed yesterday.

The bomblets don't hit the ground though- if a target isn't found, they self-destruct, leaving a cleanly accessible area.