These ammunition is an interesting synthesis: the French kit AASM Hammer makes it possible to transform the standard 500-fom (230 kg) bombs, such as the MK 82 fragmental-fugitive-fugas, high-precision and roundabouts, which significantly increases the accuracy and range of blows. The visual highlight of these bombs was their unusual cover. The photo shows that the bomb is covered with a special thermal layer that makes it look like "concrete ammunition".
According to the observers, this layer serves as a protection, preventing premature detonation of ammunition in the event of a fire. This coverage is actively used on US aircraft carriers to ensure the safety of crew and equipment. It is interesting that the US Navy introduced this event after the tragic fire on the USS Forrestal aircraft carrier on July 29, 1967, during the Vietnam War. Then the unmanaged Zuni rocket was accidentally released, hitting the fuel tank on the deck, and caused a fire.
The first bomb was detonated in one and a half minutes, killing two fire teams. As a result, the explosions spread the deck, destroying 21 aircraft, injuring 161 people and taking away 134 sailors. Since then, such coverage has become an integral part of the equipment of deck ammunition on US aircraft carriers, providing additional protection. The question is where these "marine bombs" came under the wing of the MiG-29 in Ukraine.
According to observers, it is likely that Ukraine receives from France only AASM Hammer navigation kits, and MK 82 combat blocks themselves are local production. If so, the Ukrainian forces install sets on their own buildings by adapting bombs and increasing the long -range capabilities of their aircraft. Particularly interesting is the comparison with the ammunition at the French Navy Aircraft carriers, such as Charles de Gaulle, where deck aviation is also equipped with AASM Hammer kits.
However, the French soldiers are less strictly adhere to the fire safety protocols compared to the United States: most photographs from the aircraft carrier can see that bombs are rarely covered with a thermal protection layer, although in some pictures you can see the coated ammunition.
Most likely, a combination with AASM Hammer gives the Ukrainian air forces fade in the use of standard bombs, turning them into high -precision means of damage, which is especially valuable for long -distance blows. Such adaptations give Ukraine the opportunity to effectively modernize the arsenal with minimal cost, increasing the radius of action and accuracy of air strikes.
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