OVERVIEW: The CBU-58A/B is an unguided, free-falling cluster bomb designed to attack area targets using high-explosive fragmentation submunitions. It is primarily intended for use against soft-skinned vehicles, infantry, and supply concentrations.

DETAIL: The CBU-58A/B consists of a SUU-30/B dispenser filled with 650 BLU-63/B anti-personnel/anti-material bomblets. These bomblets are spherical, air-armed submunitions with internal fragmentation casings and a small high-explosive charge. Upon release, the canister deploys in mid-air, dispersing the bomblets over a wide area to maximize coverage and effectiveness. The CBU-58A/B was developed to provide broader saturation and improved reliability over earlier cluster munitions such as the CBU-24/B.

Compared to earlier variants, the A/B version included improved fuzing and ejection reliability. The SUU-30/B dispenser incorporates a mechanical time fuze that triggers bomblet release at a preset altitude or time. This configuration enables aircraft to deliver the munition at low to medium altitudes with controlled dispersion. It can be carried by a variety of tactical aircraft with standard NATO suspension systems.

The CBU-58A/B is generally used for suppressing enemy troop concentrations, lightly armored vehicles, and airfield denial. Delivery is typically made by tactical strike aircraft flying at low to medium altitude, with the bomb programmed for optimal spread pattern over the target area. The weapon is not guided and relies on accurate delivery and saturation effects for mission success.

NOTE:
IOC: Early 1970s
Operators: United States
Platforms: F-100 Super Sabre, F-4 Phantom II, A-4 Skyhawk, A-7 Corsair II, F-105 Thunderchief, F-111 Aardvark
Conflicts: Vietnam War, Cold War readiness

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 publications