- Yes
- No
Hi all, here is a suggestion for a light bomb usable by many French planes in game, the BAT-120.
The BAT-120 is a French munition developed by Thomson CSF (now Thales), this weapon was designed with the objective of striking convoys and light vehicles.
Origin
The BAT-120 is a lightweight submunition bomb developed in France from the 1950s. Designed by the French company Thompson-CSF, it was intended to equip combat aircraft to enable precision strikes against light targets on the ground. This bomb was developed following the program that led to the commissioning of the BAP-100 (Light Anti-Runway Bomb) and uses a large part of its components. We find the same shape of bomb allowing its operation from the adapters already developed as well as the same braking system then acceleration towards the ground.
The BAT-120 was developed in a context where air forces were looking for effective solutions to maximize the impact of strikes while minimizing the risk of collateral damage. Its relatively light weight, 34 kg total mass, allowed it to be transported in large numbers by a single aircraft, thus increasing the effectiveness of ground attack missions.
It is designed to be carried in clusters of several units (up to 18 bombs per hardpoint), fixed on special containers. When it is dropped, it is slowed by a parachute, which allows a controlled dispersion of the munitions on the targeted area.
Aircraft equipment and operation
The BAT-120 is attached to a special rack (that can carry up to 3 bombs lined up in a row, and to put 2 rows of bombs one behind the other. In addition, the bombs can be attached on 3 levels to each other. The planes therefore carry this bomb in groups of 6, 12 or 18 per hardpoint. The adapters used for transporting these bombs are either the 14.3.M 2 (single row of bombs or 9 bombs maximum) or the 30.6.M 2 (two rows or 18 bombs maximum) (Source 7)
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 - Source 7), 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 - Source 7), a booster is activated at the rear of the bomb, propelling it at high speed (20 m/s - Source 7) towards the ground. According to source 3, four of these bombs can cover a strip of land 100 meters by 40 meters.
(image taken from source 4)
Characteristics
- Length : 1.5 m
- Diameter : 0.12 m
- Mass : 34 kg
- Explosive mass : 6 kg
- Type of explosive : HE
- Impact speed : 20 m/s
When it explodes on the surface, the bomb projects fragments in all directions (800 fragments to be exact) which can pierce 10 mm thick armour at 15 metres or 7 mm at 20 metres.
(image taken from source 7)
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 tree, this bomb can be equipped on a majority of high-tier planes. In fact, the BAT-120 would be closer to a HE rocket with a limited fragmentation radius rather than a bomb. In the event of a direct impact, the 6 kg of explosive mass could probably destroy some tanks but in the case of a nearby impact, the penetration of the fragments would not be sufficient to cause great damage. Finally this bomb has a significant disadvantage: it forces the player to perform a low altitude and speed drop above the enemies, making him vulnerable.
In conclusion this bomb would be a very interesting addition to the game, bringing a new drop mechanic for French planes.