CBU-87 help

[Invader ZIM]

Hey Guys,

 

I had some fun with the CBU-97's for awile, but now I'm trying to get used to the CBU-87 for some tank busting.

 

Can anyone tell me what the best burst altitude or other settings should be to make a very concentrated bomblet pattern on the target?

 

I'm trying to maximize the number of bomblets on enemy vehicle colums on the roads that are close together and in a line.

 

I've been able to use the default settings for spread out vehicles and such, just wanted to increase the chance of disabling tanks moving in tight column.

[Eddie]

HOF 1200 & RPM 2000 are optimum for the 87/103. Release in singles or ripple singles for soft targets and pairs or ripple pairs for armoured targets (up to but not including main battle tanks).

 

Ripple spacing should allow for a reasonable pattern overlap (500ft works nicely for most deliveries).

 

Straight from USAF docs.

 

CBU-87/89 NOTES:

 

1. CBU-87 deliveries were computed using the following settings:

• RPM: 2000 (S)

• HOF: 1200 (E)

• Timer: 2.23 (S)

 

2. CBU-87 ripple single deliveries ensure 60’ minimum overlap and 5-7 bomblets/1000 sq. ft,

which is optimized for soft-skinned vehicle targets. For armored targets, employ in pairs or

ripple pairs to achieve 8-12 bomblets/1000 sq. ft.

 

3. CBU-87 pattern sizes (Length x Width in feet) (Assumes 4 cans delivered)

• VLD: 428 x 292 (Rip Sgl) 351 x 292 (Rip Prs)

• 10 LAHD: 382 x 309 (Rip Sgl) 313 x 311 (Rip Prs)

• 15 LAHD: 372 x 315 (Rip Sgl) 305 x 317 (Rip Prs)

• 20 LALD: 459 x 269 (Rip Sgl) 333 x 268 (Rip Prs)

• 30 DB: 667 x 222 (Rip Sgl) 385 x 219 (Rip Prs)

• 45 DB: 577 x 173 (Rip Sgl) 321 x 172 (Rip Prs)

• 30 HADB: 669 x 200 (Rip Sgl) 372 x 198 (Rip Prs)

• 45 HADB: 563 x 165 (Rip Sgl) 300 x 164 (Rip Prs)

• MAT: 629 x 183 (Rip Sgl) 346 x 182 (Rip Prs)

• 45 HARB: 461 x 151 (Rip Sgl) 261 x 151 (Rip Prs)

 

 

4. CBU-89 deliveries were computed using the following settings:

• RPM: 0 (1)

• HOF: 1800 (G)

• Timer: 2.23 (S)

 

5. CBU-89 deliveries ensure a minimum of .2 mines/1000 sq ft average pattern density in ripple

singles.

Note: CBU-89 minefield sizes are listed on the CBU-89 weapons event page (1-34).

 

6. CBU-87/89 ABORT NOTES: The MRS/MRC represent the most conservative Min Recovery

Altitude (MRA) based on the following IFFCC weapons menu settings:

 

• ESC MVR: IFFCC provides safe escape/safe separation from the frag of an intact

canister. NOTE: Low altitude CBU-87/89 deliveries in this volume (VLD, LAHD)

DO NOT take into account the frag from an intact canister and are therefore for

“combat use only.” For these deliveries, IFFCC SEM must be set to “None” in

the IFFCC menu in order to achieve a proper solution. In this case the HUD will

indicate “XXX” denoting no SEM is selected.

 

• FUZE: Abort cues depend on event/fuzing options:

o NOSE: Timed Mode, the MRS provides for submunition arming prior to

impact.

o N/T: Radar Mode. MRS provides for radar function time prior to reaching

set HOF.

o TAIL: Munition will dud.

1-5

• MIN ALT: As with all minimum altitudes in this volume, this setting ensures that the

MRS provides for recovery at or above MCI 11-2A/OA-10 Vol 1 and AFI 11-214

training rule altitudes. For combat use, set “0” or other tactically-relevant min altitude.

 

7. The desired TOF setting determines the placement of the DRC and provides proper delivery

wire, pattern size, pattern overlap, and density of bomblets.

Edited May 5, 2012 by Eddie

[Yellonet]

CBU-87 is meant for engaging soft targets over a large area, so attacking hard targets in tight formation will not be very effective.

The CBU-97 should be the choice against multiple armoured targets as its sub munitions has target seekers and are meant for defeating armour.

[badger66]

Hey Guys,

 

I had some fun with the CBU-97's for awile, but now I'm trying to get used to the CBU-87 for some tank busting.

 

Can anyone tell me what the best burst altitude or other settings should be to make a very concentrated bomblet pattern on the target?

 

I'm trying to maximize the number of bomblets on enemy vehicle colums on the roads that are close together and in a line.

 

I've been able to use the default settings for spread out vehicles and such, just wanted to increase the chance of disabling tanks moving in tight column.

 

use 500 hof then

[WildBillKelsoe]

Hey Guys,

 

I had some fun with the CBU-97's for awile, but now I'm trying to get used to the CBU-87 for some tank busting.

 

Can anyone tell me what the best burst altitude or other settings should be to make a very concentrated bomblet pattern on the target?

 

I'm trying to maximize the number of bomblets on enemy vehicle colums on the roads that are close together and in a line.

 

I've been able to use the default settings for spread out vehicles and such, just wanted to increase the chance of disabling tanks moving in tight column.

 

So, basically, what you want is to lay down a carpet, yes?

 

If that is so, I suggest HOF 700 and RPM 500. But that will be good for one tank. However, if you have a group hug of tanks cuddling together, and you want to achieve a higher pK, I suggest HOF 900 and RPM 0

 

Be advised that the general footprint of the CBU-87/97/103/105 is 400 meters forward X 200 meters wide.

[OutOnTheOP]

Against single tanks (or those clustered tightly together), I would recommend 1000 RPM, 500 feet, paired release, steep diving delivery

 

Against a column, try 1000 RPM, 300 feet, ripple single at 100 foot interval.

 

...I wouldn't expect great things against T80s, though. The real thing is perfectly capable of taking out tanks; I think the CBU87 might be a bit underpowered in the game, but it CAN kill T80s.

[Invader ZIM]

Hey Guys,

 

Thanks for all the great suggestions, got to try out some of the different settings you all recommended.

 

I was able to knock out 3 T-72's using the HOF at 500 and RPM at 500 on a colum. Attack was at under 1000 feet, and rather hair raising!!

 

If your aim is good, it's really effective against any soft targets. Didn't get to try on any T-80's though.

 

Very cool, and very fun though. There's a lot of flexibility in the pattern you can create with these, after seeing what the HOF and RPM settings do. I'm actually enjoying them more than the CBU-97.

 

Many Thanks for the assist guys!!

[WildBillKelsoe]

hey zim,

I made a tutorial for using 87's on off-road column formations. you can check it out here

 

[Invader ZIM]

Very cool noc_orthodontist, I appreciate that very much!!

 

I've been having a lot of fun experimenting with the carpet you can lay down with these things, also a lot of fun to just degrade the tanks and come in straffing afterwards. :D

[WildBillKelsoe]

also a lot of fun to just degrade the tanks and come in straffing afterwards. :D

 

What?!! Degrade??

 

mate, the gun is your friend if you've mastered it. A 1 second spew from upclose will f(_)ck everything up.. T-80, T-90, T-100, hell even T-shirts... Anything with a 'T' on it will not stand a half sec burst even.. don't bite the dust!!!!

[Rusty_M]

What's the deal with the JTAC sending me after tanks using the CBU 87. Really not a great weapon for the target.

[Invader ZIM]

Oh man yes!! THE GUN!!, I can't believe how fun it is to strafe and actually be able to knock out T-80's. I found I need to fire about 0.5 miles and less from them, at the sides and top/rear, if they aren't damaged though it takes about a 3 sec. burst for me to make sure it's a kill in one pass.

 

T-72's I start firing at 0.7 down to 0.5 miles or less and only use about a 1 sec burst at the same angles. They are much easier to kill than the T-80's

 

This PAC system is absolutely genius in it's simplicity!!! I love the A-10C :pilotfly:

 

Rusty, you can knock out the tanks with the CBU-87, but depending on the situation, like tightly packed colums going down a road or advancing on the front line close together, go with a low burst altitude and low or no rpm setting to get the most number of bomblets in the target area to help destroy the tanks. Drop two for twice the fun! It can be done, and it's very satisfying when you do it.

 

Now to figure out how to take care of the Tunguska while flying under 3000 feet...... Without losing all my wingmen.... Hmmm.

 

Does anyone know if there any plans for us to get the mine dispensing CBU-89?

Edited May 13, 2012 by Invader ZIM

[WildBillKelsoe]

Now to figure out how to take care of the Tunguska while flying under 3000 feet...... Without losing all my wingmen.... Hmmm.

 

Easy.. Just let SEAD take care of them... Or use the wingman to hook SPI and let him abort and you mav it out..

[Invader ZIM]

Thanks for that WildBillKensoe, but I'm not familiar with using my wingmen very effectively yet.

 

How exactly do I use the wingman to hook SPI and let him abort? I don't know what hook SPI means lol.

 

I tend to play the quick mission generator missions, and sometimes I don't get a dedicated SEAD flight to work with. Plus it's a fun challenge to try to deal with such potent AA threats.

[WildBillKelsoe]

Thanks for that WildBillKensoe, but I'm not familiar with using my wingmen very effectively yet.

 

How exactly do I use the wingman to hook SPI and let him abort? I don't know what hook SPI means lol.

 

I tend to play the quick mission generator missions, and sometimes I don't get a dedicated SEAD flight to work with. Plus it's a fun challenge to try to deal with such potent AA threats.

 

Hooking SPI means assigning the wingman a target of interest from you Sensor Point of Interest (SPI). If the wingman calls out the contact anti air for 18 at 2 o'clock, you can let him engage airdefences, and then look in the TAD (map thing) for his blue line denoting what he is about to attack (wedding cake symbol). You set it as SPI my DMS FWd Long to select SOI (like H heavy or K heavy on the keyboard), then TMS FWd Long (on the TAD cake). Then slew all sensors to that SOI, and abort his attack by a rejoin order. You can't literally tell him to stop firing.

 

If you need a quik vid, lemme know.

[Invader ZIM]

Thanks for that detailed info WildBillKelsoe, I understand it now. :D