OVERVIEW: The CBU-58A/B is an unguided, free-falling cluster bomb designed to attack area targets with anti-personnel and anti-material fragmentation submunitions. It delivers a high number of bomblets over a wide impact zone using a standard SUU-30/B dispenser.

DETAIL: The CBU-58A/B Cluster Bomb Unit contains 650 BLU-63/B fragmentation bomblets packed inside a SUU-30/B dispenser body. Each bomblet is cylindrical, impact-fuzed, and contains a shaped internal fragmentation liner for optimal anti-personnel and light material effects. Once released, the SUU-30/B uses a spin-armed mechanism and opens at a preset altitude or time, scattering the bomblets over a large area. The BLU-63/B bomblets are designed to detonate on impact with a soft or hard surface, making them highly effective against troops, vehicles, radar installations, and lightly fortified structures.

The CBU-58A/B evolved from earlier models like the CBU-24/B, increasing the bomblet count and improving reliability of dispersion and detonation. The switch to BLU-63/B bomblets also enhanced kill probability and coverage. Though unguided, it was intended to saturate target areas where pinpoint accuracy was unnecessary, relying on volume and area effect for lethality.

Typical employment includes pre-planned strikes on infantry concentrations, supply depots, and parked aircraft. Released from medium or low altitudes by tactical fighters or strike aircraft, it was often delivered in ripple or salvo configurations to maximize ground coverage and effectiveness.

NOTE:
IOC: Late 1960s
Operators: United States Air Force
Platform: F-4 Phantom II, A-7 Corsair II, F-105 Thunderchief, F-111 Aardvark, F-16 Fighting Falcon, F/A-18 Hornet
Conflicts: Vietnam War, Gulf War (limited use), training and testing phases

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