CBU-78/89 Gator Air-Delivered Mines

Air delivered mine system.

Average Rating:

Comments
Let us know what we're missing

History

The CBU-89 Gator mine system is a 1,000-pound class air-deliverable area denial weapon. The CBU-89 Gator comprises the SUU-64/B Tactical Munitions Dispenser, the FZU-39 proximity fuse, and a combination of two sub-munitions. Each CBU-89 contains 72 BLU-91/B anti-tank mines and 22 BLU-92/B anti-personnel mines. The CBU-78/B used by the U.S. Navy is a 500-pound class variant of the 89, uses the Rockeye Mk. 7 dispenser, and contains 45 BLU-91/B and 15 BLU-92/B mines.

The Gator mines arm immediately on impact with the ground. The BLU-91/B antitank mine has an integral magnetic influence sensor capable of detecting and distinguishing between armored and unarmored vehicles, and will detonate when the target is most vulnerable. The BLU-92/B antipersonnel mine is equipped with self-deployed trip wire detonators.

The Gator mines can also have several time fuse options. The variable time option causes the mines to explode randomly over a period of days, for area denial and harassment operations. The set time option will detonate all of the mines at a specific time, thus facilitating friendly combat operations planning. Both mines are also equipped with anti-handling devices to make removal more difficult.

The size and density of the minefield are determined by the altitude at which the mines are dispersed and the rate of spin on the canister prior to opening.

Description

The SUU-64/B TMD is made of fiberglass, and is olive drab in color. The dispenser is approximately 16 inches in diameter, 7.5 feet long, weighs approximately 710 pounds when loaded, and on deployment breaks apart into 6 separate pieces.

The Rockeye Mk. 7 dispenser is white in color, approximately 13 inches in diameter and 7 feet long, and weighs 490 pounds when loaded. When deployed the clamshell dispenser breaks apart into two separate pieces.

The BLU-91/B and BLU-92/B mines are very similar in appearance. Both are approximately 5.75 x 5.5 x 2.6 inches on a side. The 91/B weighs 4.3 lbs. And the 92/B weighs 3.7 pounds. Each mine is round in shape and encased in a number of stabilization fins that activate on impact and ensure the mine is deployed properly in an upright position. The four trip wires on the BLU-92/B deploy out of the top of the mine.