OVERVIEW: Aerial depth charges are unguided, free-falling anti-submarine weapons deployed from aircraft and helicopters. They are designed to detonate underwater at preset depths to damage or destroy submerged submarines.

DETAILS: Aerial depth charges typically weigh between 100 and 200 kg and are streamlined for minimal drag during air-drop. Upon release, they sink rapidly and detonate at specific depths using hydrostatic pistols or pressure sensors. These weapons were widely deployed during the Cold War and into the modern era as part of air-delivered anti-submarine warfare. They are carried internally or externally on ASW-capable aircraft and helicopters.

FUNCTION: Aerial depth charges are dropped after submarine detection via sonar, radar, or MAD sensors, targeting subs operating at shallow or medium depths. Upon reaching preset depth, they explode to disable or destroy the enemy submarine through shock damage.

NOTE:
IOC: 1940s, post-1945 (modernized)
Operators: United States, United Kingdom, France, Russia, China, others
Platforms: ASW aircraft (e.g., P-3 Orion, P-8 Poseidon), ASW helicopters (e.g., SH-60 Seahawk, Merlin HM.2, Ka-27)
Conflict used in: World War II, Cold War ASW operations, Falklands War (1982), others

SOURCE:
U.S. Navy Weapon Systems Explosive Ordnance Disposal publication ; Jane’s Weapons: Air-Launched ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org/man/dod-101/sys/dumb/depthcharge.htm ; U.S. Air Force Armament Museum