BLU-82
The BLU-82B/C-130 weapon system, known under program "Commando Vault" and nicknamed "Daisy Cutter" in Vietnam for its ability to flatten a section of forest into a helicopter landing zone, was an American 15,000-pound (6,800 kg) conventional bomb, delivered from either a C-130 or MC-130 transport aircraft or a CH-54 heavy-lift "Skycrane" helicopter from the 1st Air Cavalry. A total of 225 were constructed. It was successfully used during military operations in Vietnam, the Gulf War and Afghanistan. The BLU-82 was retired in 2008 and replaced with the more powerful GBU-43/B MOAB.
| BLU-82B/C-130 | |
|---|---|
A 15,000 lb BLU-82/B on display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force | |
| Type | Air to surface conventional bomb (parachute retarded) |
| Place of origin | United States |
| Service history | |
| Wars | Vietnam War, Gulf War, and War in Afghanistan |
| Production history | |
| No. built | 225 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 15,000 lb (6,800 kg) |
| Length | 141.6 in (360 cm) |
| Diameter | 56 in (140 cm) |
| Filling | GSX Slurry |
| Filling weight | 12,600 lb (5,700 kg) |
An MC-130E from the 711th Special Operations Squadron, 919th Special Operations Wing, drops the last operational BLU-82 bomb at the Utah Test and Training Range on July 15, 2008.
Detonation of the last BLU-82
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