OVERVIEW: The Mk83 AIR is a unguided freefall bomb with a retarder system to allow for low-level delivery.


DETAILS:  The MK83 AIR is a 1000 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. 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. Ram air inflates the ballute, increasing drag on the bomb and allowing the aircraft to escape the blast pattern.  The weapon can be delivered in the low-drag mode (canister remains closed after release) or in the high drag mode.   


Weight: 	 447-468 kg
Filling Weight:	  202 kg (Tritonal, Minol or Comp H6)



NOTES:  The Mk83 is used primarily by the USN and USMC.



SOURCES:  "Mark 83 Bomb." Wikipedia, the Free Encyclopedia. Accessed December 28, 2015. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_83_bomb ; Friedman, Norman. The Naval Institute Guide to World Naval Weapons Systems, 1997-1998. Annapolis, Md: Naval Institute Press, 1997, pg. 264 ; "Mk 83 General Purpose Bomb". Federation of American Scientists,  Accessed December 28, 2015. http://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/dumb/mk83.htm
