OVERVIEW: The RBK-250-PTAB is an unguided, free-falling cluster bomb designed for anti-armor missions using shaped-charge submunitions.

DETAIL: The RBK-250-PTAB was developed by the Soviet Union to provide tactical aircraft with an effective anti-tank munition capable of neutralizing armored formations. It carries 30 PTAB-2.5 submunitions, each equipped with a shaped charge designed to penetrate the top armor of tanks and armored vehicles. The PTAB bomblets are gravity-dispersed upon release from the parent casing, covering a wide target area. The cylindrical aluminum RBK-250 casing includes a mechanical time or impact fuze to initiate submunition release.

Each PTAB-2.5 bomblet contains a small shaped charge warhead capable of penetrating up to 60–80 mm of armor. The submunitions descend at varied trajectories to increase the probability of multiple impacts on vehicle formations. The delivery method relies on accurate low to medium-altitude release to ensure optimal coverage over the target zone. While the system lacks terminal guidance, saturation tactics are used to ensure effectiveness.

The RBK-250-PTAB is typically carried by ground-attack aircraft such as the Su-17, Su-25, MiG-21, and MiG-23. It was widely used by Warsaw Pact forces and exported to allied nations throughout the Cold War. The bomb has seen combat in numerous conflicts, including Afghanistan, the Middle East, and Africa.

NOTE:
IOC: ~1960s
Operators: Russia, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Vietnam, others
Platform: MiG-21, MiG-23BN, Su-17, Su-25, Yak-130
Conflicts: Soviet-Afghan War, Iran-Iraq War, Syrian Civil War

SOURCE:
Russian Ministry of Defence ; Rosoboronexport ; Jane’s Weapons: Air-Launched ; Military Balance (IISS) ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS)
https://www.fas.org ; https://www.janes.com ; https://www.iiss.org ; https://roe.ru