OVERVIEW: The B57 is a U.S. air-dropped, tactical nuclear bomb designed for multipurpose use, including both anti-submarine and general tactical strike roles. It is free-fall, unguided, and capable of underwater or surface detonation, depending on mission configuration.

DETAILS: The B57 was developed in the late 1950s and entered service in the early 1960s as a lightweight, compact tactical nuclear weapon for U.S. Navy and Air Force aircraft. It was designed with a variable-yield fission warhead and could be deployed against naval or land targets. The weapon had a cylindrical shape and was optimized for delivery at low altitude and high speed by aircraft such as the A-4, A-6, P-3, and others. It was cleared for carriage by both strike aircraft and maritime patrol platforms.

The designation "B" stands for "Bomb" and indicates its classification as a nuclear bomb. The B57 had multiple Mod versions with varying yields and fuzing; the anti-submarine warfare (ASW) variants were equipped for underwater detonation with hydrostatic or time-delay fuzes. The 20-kiloton yield version was one of the higher-yield configurations used for both ASW and land attack roles.

FUNCTION: The B57 operates as a free-fall nuclear bomb delivered by aircraft, with configurations allowing airburst, surface, or underwater detonation. It was primarily used for anti-submarine warfare by delivering a nuclear depth charge effect or for tactical nuclear strikes on land or naval surface targets.

NOTE:
IOC: 1963 (B57)
Operators: United States
Platforms: A-4 Skyhawk, A-6 Intruder, A-7 Corsair II, P-3 Orion, S-3 Viking, SH-3 Sea King
Conflict used in: None (deployed during Cold War, but never used in combat)

SOURCE:
U.S. Department of Energy: https://www.energy.gov/sites/default/files/2021-07/B57%20Bomb%20DOE%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf ; National Museum of the U.S. Air Force: https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/195765/b57-nuclear-bomb/ ; Federation of American Scientists (FAS): https://fas.org/nuke/guide/usa/bomber/b57.htm ; U.S. Navy Historical Center ; Department of Defense, Historical Munition Fact Sheets ; Jane’s Weapons: Air-Launched