Aircraft bombs
Rheinmetall produces the full MK80 series bombs (MK82, MK83, MK84) from raw materials to final product, with repeated orders from multiple users. Rheinmetall also offers an enhanced MK-EP bomb and the BLU-109 hardened penetration bomb. The bomb bodies are entirely manufactured in house at RWM Italia's high-volume production facility at Domusnovas in Italy, with no dependency from any third parties. All bombs meet stringent military specifications and are fully interchangeable with U.S. standards, certified by third parties like Raytheon and Boeing.
MK82
The MK82 is the primary air to ground bomb body in the world. Designed in the 1950’s by NAVAIR, the MK82 has become a standard for all Air Forces and it has been integrated with all U.S. and European aircraft in various operational configurations.
The bomb bodies are produced from seamless steel tubes, then welded, heat treated to provide the desired fragmentation, machined lastly phosphated and surface coated. The MK82 bomb bodies can be provided filled either with traditional melt cast explosive (TNT or Tritonal) or with cast cured explosive composition (PBXN-109). The designation of PBXN-109 filled bombs is BLU-111 B/B. Practice and drill bomb bodies for training are filled with inert composition (concrete) to duplicate the same mass properties of the live variants.
MK83
The MK83 is the mid-size variant of the MK80 family of general-purpose bombs. Designed in the 1950’s by NAVAIR, the MK83 has entered service with several Air Forces and Navies in the world and it has been integrated with most of the U.S. and European aircraft in various operational configurations.
The bomb bodies are produced from seamless steel tubes, then welded, heat treated to provide the desired fragmentation, machined lastly phosphated and surface coated. The MK83 bomb bodies can be provided filled either with traditional melt cast explosive (Tritonal) or with cast-cured explosive composition (PBXN-109). The designation of PBXN-109 filled bombs is BLU-110/B. Practice and drill bomb bodies for training are filled with inert composition (concrete) to duplicate the same mass properties of the live variants.
MK84
The MK84 is a general-purpose free-fall bomb developed by the United States. It is the largest bomb in the Mark 80 series. Entering service during the Vietnam War, it is nicknamed “Hammer” due to its considerable destructive capability.
The bomb bodies are produced from seamless steel tubes, then welded, heat treated to provide the desired fragmentation, machined lastly phosphated and surface coated. The MK84 bomb bodies can be provided filled either with traditional melt cast explosive (Tritonal) or with cast-cured explosive composition (PBXN-109). Practice and drill bomb bodies for training are filled with inert composition (concrete) to duplicate the same mass properties of the live variants.
MK82-EP
The RWM Italia MK82-EP is a 500 lbs special MK82/ BLU-111 bomb with enhanced penetration and top-class IM performance. The MK82-EP is manufactured entirely in house at the high-volume production facilities at Domusnovas in Italy. It is fully qualified and produced in accordance with the most stringent requirements of the applicable military standards.
The MK82-EP empty case is made out of a seamless tube, shaped at both sides by hot forging, heat treated to provide the desired fragmentation and phosphate to ensure appropriate protection against corrosion throughout its shelf life. The special steel of MK82-EP is designed to grant enhanced fragmentation and penetration performances.
BLU-109
The RWM Italia BLU-109 is a penetration bomb used against concrete shelters and other hardened structures. The warhead is capable of penetrating more than 2 m of reinforced concrete, before exploding inside the target.
The BLU-109 features a steel casing manufactured by ELLWOOD National Forge, with a thickness of about 1 inch (25 mm). The bomb can be filled with up to 562 lbs (255 kg) of Tritonal, PBXN-109 or AFX-757 explosive.
The BLU-109 is integrated with the most precise guidance kits and is in service with many Air Forces worldwide.
Further information
