- Yes
- No
Hi all, here is a suggestion for a light bomb usable by many French planes in game, the BAP-100.
The BAT-120 is a French munition developed by Thomson CSF (now Thales), this weapon was designed with the objective of destroy ennemy runway.
Origin
The BAT-100 is a light bomb developed in France from the 1950s. Designed by the French company Thompson-CSF, it was intended to equip combat aircraft to allow strikes against enemy runways and airfields. This bomb would later lead to the manufacture of the BAT-120 tactical support. We find the same shape of bomb allowing it to work from the adapters already developed as well as the same braking system and then acceleration towards the ground.
The BAP-100 was developed in a context where air forces were seeking effective solutions to maximize the impact of strikes while minimizing the risk of collateral damage. Its relatively light weight (32.5 kg) allowed it to be carried in large numbers by a single aircraft, thus increasing the effectiveness of ground attack missions.
It is designed to be transported in groups of several units (up to 18 bombs per hardpoint), attached to special containers. Upon release, it is slowed by a parachute, allowing for controlled dispersal of munitions over the target area.
Aircraft equipment and operation
The BAP-100 is attached to a special carrier (which can carry up to 3 bombs aligned in a line, and to place 2 rows of bombs one behind the other. In addition, the bombs can be attached on 3 levels to each other. The aircraft therefore carry this bomb in groups of 6, 12 or 18 per hardpoint. The adapters used for the transport of these bombs are either the 14.3.M 2 (a single row of bombs or 9 bombs maximum) or the 30.6.M 2 (two rows or 18 bombs maximum)
Regarding the operation of the bomb when it is dropped, the bomb is first braked using a parachute at the time of the drop (0.5 seconde after the drop), this allows it to slow down and orient it towards the ground for better efficiency. Once the bomb reaches an angle of 30° to the ground (about 2.5 seconds after release), a booster is activated at the rear of the bomb, propelling it at high speed (260 m/s) towards the ground. A drop of 18 bombs can deal with a column 400 meters long, thus causing considerable damage to a runway.
Characteristics
- Length : 1.78 m
- Diameter : 0.10 m
- Mass : 32.5 kg
- Explosive mass : 3.5 kg
- Type of explosive : HEAT
- Impact speed : 260 m/s
Once the bomb hits the runway, it pierces the concrete before exploding, causing maximum damage. The bomb pierces about 30cm of concrete and damages 40m² of surface.
Planes
Many planes already in the game can carry the BAT-120’s payload racks, this is the case for the following planes :
- Mirage III : one central rack (up to 18 bombs)
- Mirage 5 : one central rack (up to 18 bombs)
- Mirage F1 : 3 racks (up to 54 bombs)
- Mirage 2000 : one central rack (up to 18 bombs)
- Jaguar A : 3 racks (up to 54 bombs)
- Alpha Jet : 2 racks (up to 36 bombs)
However, other aircraft can also use it, including aircraft from other nations (F-5, A-4, Hawk, MB326 and M345)
In game
In-game, this bomb would be an interesting addition to the French explosive tree. It can be equipped on most high-tier aircraft. Indeed, the BAP-100 would be more like a HEAT rocket with a low explosive charge. On a direct hit, the 3.5 kg of explosives could probably destroy some tanks, but on a close hit, no damage would be caused, but a large crater would appear. Finally, this bomb has a major drawback: it requires the player to drop at low altitude and speed above enemies, leaving them vulnerable.
In conclusion, this bomb would be a very interesting addition to the game, bringing a new drop mechanic to French aircraft.