E120 bomblet

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E120 Bomblet
E120 Bomblet
Type	Submunition
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The E120 Bomblet is a type of submunition developed by the United States Army during the 1960s. It is designed to be dispersed over a wide area to maximize damage against infantry and lightly armored vehicles. The E120 is typically delivered via cluster munitions such as artillery shells, rockets, or aerial bombs.

Design and Development

The E120 Bomblet was developed as part of the United States' efforts to enhance its artillery and aerial bombardment capabilities. The design focuses on maximizing the area of effect while maintaining a compact and efficient form factor. The bomblet is equipped with a small explosive charge and a fragmentation casing, which allows it to disperse lethal fragments over a wide radius upon detonation.

The bomblet's design includes a simple fuse mechanism that arms the device after it is released from its carrier munition. This ensures that the bomblet detonates upon impact with the ground or a target, maximizing its effectiveness.

Operational Use

The E120 Bomblet has been used in various military operations since its introduction. It is typically deployed in large numbers to saturate a target area, making it highly effective against dispersed enemy forces. The bomblet's small size and high explosive power make it a formidable weapon in both offensive and defensive operations.

Controversy and Criticism

The use of bomblets like the E120 has been subject to criticism due to the potential for unexploded ordnance (UXO) to remain on the battlefield, posing a threat to civilians long after a conflict has ended. Efforts have been made to improve the reliability of bomblets to ensure they detonate as intended, but concerns about their humanitarian impact persist.

Also see

• Cluster munition
• Submunition
• Unexploded ordnance
• Artillery
• Aerial bombardment