OVERVIEW: The Mk83 Snake Eye is a 1,000 lb general-purpose bomb, fitted with a high-drag fin assembly for low-altitude delivery. It enables safe separation and detonation clearance for aircraft during low-level bombing runs.

DETAIL: The Mk83 is part of the U.S. Navy’s Mark 80 series of low-drag bombs, optimized for aerodynamic efficiency. The Snake Eye variant replaces the standard conical tail with a high-drag fin assembly which deploys spring-loaded fins to increase drag. This configuration slows the bomb's descent, allowing the launching aircraft to escape the blast zone during low-altitude delivery.

The U.S. Navy designates the retarded variant as the Mk83 Mod 1 with Snake Eye fins, commonly used on A-4 Skyhawk, A-6 Intruder, and F/A-18 Hornet aircraft for close air support and interdiction roles. The USAF employed the Mk83 with the BSU-85/B tail assembly on aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II, F-111, and F-16.

These bombs were widely used from the Vietnam War onward, particularly in missions where aircraft flew under enemy radar or close to target areas. The use of the Snake Eye fin kit allowed delivery flexibility while retaining the Mk83’s destructive power against personnel, light vehicles, and infrastructure.

NOTE:
IOC: Early 1970s
Operators: United States Navy, United States Air Force
Platforms: A-4, A-6, F-4, F-16, F/A-18, F-111
Conflicts: Vietnam War, Gulf War, regional air operations

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