Fact files: Cluster bombs - bomblets

	Introduction
	Activation
	Bomblets

Cluster bombs separate out on their way to the ground

The area covered by the bomblets depends on the spin rate and opening height of the weapon.

Typically they might cover an area about 650 by 1,300 ft (200 by 400 m) - about the size of eight football pitches.

When they explode, the bomblets cause damage and injury across a wide area.

The explosive charge is capable of piercing armour to a depth of about 7 ins (17 cms). The blast has a radius of as much as 250 ft (76 m).

One variety of cluster bomb has heat-seeking bomblets which direct themselves at vehicles. Others are used to scatter landmines.

The BLU-97/B bomblets have
• A shaped explosive charge for piercing armour
• A case which is scored so that it fragments along precise lines, creating about 300 shrapnel fragments
• A ring of incendiary zirconium for starting fires