OVERVIEW: The M117 is an unguided, free-fall general-purpose bomb developed by the United States and widely used for tactical air-to-ground operations. It contains a high-explosive warhead weighing approximately 403 lb (183 kg).

DETAIL: The M117 was developed in the early 1950s by the U.S. Air Force as a standardized 750 lb-class bomb for use in various combat environments. It features a streamlined, low-drag steel casing and can be fitted with either conical or high-drag tail assemblies depending on the mission profile. Designed for flexibility, it uses both nose and tail fuzes and is compatible with a wide range of NATO aircraft thanks to its standard lug spacing. The M117 can be delivered from medium or high altitudes and is effective against light fortifications, runways, vehicles, and structures.

Over time, the M117 served extensively in conflicts such as the Vietnam War, Gulf War, and other regional engagements. It has remained in use due to its proven lethality, rugged design, and simplicity. Several subvariants exist, including those with retarder fins for low-altitude drops and others with improved explosive fill for higher blast effects.

It is typically released from tactical strike aircraft in dive or level bombing runs. When fitted with retarder fins, it can be safely dropped at low altitude without risking damage to the launching aircraft, making it suitable for close air support or suppression roles.

NOTE:
IOC: ~1954
Operators: United States, South Korea, Turkey, Pakistan, Iran
Platform: F-4 Phantom II, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F-15E Strike Eagle, B-52 Stratofortress, A-4 Skyhawk, A-7 Corsair II
Conflicts: Vietnam War, Gulf War, Operation Iraqi Freedom, Korean Peninsula readiness operations

SOURCE:
U.S. Air Force Armament Museum ; Jane’s Weapons: Air-Launched ; U.S. Department of Defense Ordnance Catalogs ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS)
https://www.fas.org ; https://www.afmuseum.com ; https://www.janes.com