An Aerodynamic Database for the Mk 82 General Purpose Low Drag Bomb

The drag database of the Mk 82 General Purpose Low Drag bomb, the primary gravity weapon in the RAAF inventory, has some shortcomings in the quality and traceability of data, and in the variations due to configurational differences. Extensive testing of scaled models in a wind tunnel and an aeroballistic range facility have resulted in establishing estimates of the drag of a clean Mk 82 bomb as well as the incremental drag of add ons such as lugs and fuzes. These results, together with data obtained from full scale bomb drop trials, have been used to produce drag estimates for a full range of bomb configurations and release conditions. It is recommended that these data be incorporated into the mission computer of the weapon delivery system of the updated F111C aircraft Furthermore it is recommended that the accuracy of these data be validated when the updated aircraft undergoes Ballistic Accuracy Verification flight trials.