2nd question: How do cluster bombs know the burst height? They don't seem to have radar altimeters on the nose like some bombs.

[SickSidewinder9]

Assuming you get accurate target coordinates from a targeting pod (and see previous question about that) we could assume a WCMD knows when to burst because of its GPS/INS position, but unguided cluster bombs don't have that and seem to always burst at the same height AGL, right?

How are they doing that?  Shouldn't the pilot in the launching aircraft have to put in an altitude ASL that's sufficiently above terrain height, or is this another game "hack" the devs did?  Or is there some radar altimeter cleverly hidden in there?  Seems like I should have to be a lot more careful and precise with the burst height function.  This is supposed to be as realistic as it gets without actually joining the military, right?  But then we can set the laser code on the LGB bombs on the Hornet whenever and wherever.  Come on now.

[Dragon1-1]

LGB codes entry is there, but that just lets the jet know what the code is IRL. Originally, this was a concession to multiplayer, which doesn't have access to the mission planner. Using kneeboard to set the codes is a relatively recent invention.

CBUs, however, are correct. They do have a radar altimeter, it's the FZU-39/B:
https://bulletpicker.com/dispenser_-suu-65_b.html
https://cat-uxo.com/explosive-hazards/fuzes/fzu-39-fuze
This is a proximity fuze which can be set on the ground to a desired height of function. I'm not sure if it's correct for the Russian cluster bombs and the Rockeye (it probably is, the other option is typically a mechanical time fuze), but it is for all other US CBUs we have.

[SharpeXB]

Proximity fuzes…

 

[SickSidewinder9]

On 12/11/2022 at 12:18 AM, Dragon1-1 said:

LGB codes entry is there, but that just lets the jet know what the code is IRL. Originally, this was a concession to multiplayer, which doesn't have access to the mission planner. Using kneeboard to set the codes is a relatively recent invention.

CBUs, however, are correct. They do have a radar altimeter, it's the FZU-39/B:
https://bulletpicker.com/dispenser_-suu-65_b.html
https://cat-uxo.com/explosive-hazards/fuzes/fzu-39-fuze
This is a proximity fuze which can be set on the ground to a desired height of function. I'm not sure if it's correct for the Russian cluster bombs and the Rockeye (it probably is, the other option is typically a mechanical time fuze), but it is for all other US CBUs we have.

Oh.  Well.  That solves it, lol.

[Dragon1-1]

They had them even in WWII (though much less common, of course). Note that barometric height of function would not be especially practical, given varying weather conditions at the target site could throw them off, and a time fuze would require flying very specific release parameters (easy enough today, but think of a Phantom or F-5 jock with nothing but a pipper and a steady hand on the stick), otherwise the burst altitude could be off by a lot, in case of a late release probably underground. Neither method would allow TOO attacks in anything but perfectly flat terrain. Proximity fuzes are not a new technology, and for CBUs they're particularly handy.

Edited December 12, 2022 by Dragon1-1