OVERVIEW: The CBU-87/B Combined Effects Munition (CEM) is an unguided, free-falling cluster bomb designed to engage armored vehicles, infantry, and lightly fortified targets. It disperses a mix of anti-armor, fragmentation, and incendiary submunitions across a wide area.

DETAIL: The CBU-87/B utilizes the SUU-65/B Tactical Munitions Dispenser to release 202 BLU-97/B submunitions mid-flight. Each bomblet is equipped with a shaped charge for anti-armor effect, a fragmentation casing for anti-personnel lethality, and an incendiary zirconium ring to ignite flammable materials. The dispenser opens at a pre-set altitude, deploying the bomblets over the target area in a pre-determined pattern. Each BLU-97/B contains an impact fuze and a self-destruct mechanism to reduce the risk of unexploded ordnance.

The CBU-87/B was developed to replace earlier cluster bombs like the CBU-52 and CBU-58. It offers improved efficiency, wider coverage, and better target engagement due to its triple-effect bomblets. Though not precision-guided, it remains highly effective when deployed en masse against area targets.

It is delivered by tactical aircraft such as the F-15E, F-16C, A-10C, and F/A-18, typically from medium altitudes. Release parameters are programmed using the aircraft's fire control systems, allowing the dispenser to activate at the correct time for optimal coverage. It is intended for use in suppression of enemy formations, convoy interdiction, and battlefield area denial.

NOTE:
IOC: 1986
Operators: United States Air Force, United States Navy, others
Platform: A-10C Thunderbolt II, F-16C Fighting Falcon, F-15E Strike Eagle, F/A-18 Hornet, B-52H Stratofortress, B-1B Lancer
Conflicts: Gulf War (1991), Iraq War, Afghanistan War

SOURCE:
U.S. Air Force Armament Museum ; Jane’s Weapons: Air-Launched ; Department of Defense, Historical Munition Fact Sheets ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://nuke.fas.org ; U.S. Navy Weapon Systems Explosive Ordnance Disposal publication