M83 information required on development and dates of use

[butterfly]

Hello all,

I'm extending my research on butterfly bombs and would like to know if anyone has information regarding the M83 (American version of the SD2)

What I am looking for is:-

The dates of its development ?

When and where was it first used?

Any information on areas it was used, dates/events etc?

When did this submunition become obsolete? (replaced by what?)

If you can help me with any of the above that would be great.
Many thanks in advance

regards
Kev

Also if anyone has any items they wish to sell connected to the M83 please pm me.
Always looking for butterfly bomb related items!! thankyou

[butterfly]

Thankyou for your help, Allan and Dave.

regards
Kev

[Fuzeman]

Hi Kev
From USNBDS Manual 1944
It lists the M83 Fuzes as
Experimental T47 Us M129 copy of (41)
T48 US M130 copy of (67)
T49 US M131 copy of (70)B
In Bombs and Bomb components april 1966 they were still listed, i believe that the US trialled them for Anti submarine use (similar to the Hedgehog) but cannot confirm this.They would have been first produced after 1941 ? We here in The UK having received the first SD2 from Germany at Wattisham, we would then possibly told the Americans.
Steve

[butterfly]

Hi Kev
From USNBDS Manual 1944
It lists the M83 Fuzes as
Experimental T47 Us M129 copy of (41)
T48 US M130 copy of (67)
T49 US M131 copy of (70)B
In Bombs and Bomb components april 1966 they were still listed, i believe that the US trialled them for Anti submarine use (similar to the Hedgehog) but cannot confirm this.They would have been first produced after 1941 ? We here in The UK having received the first SD2 from Germany at Wattisham, we would then possibly told the Americans.
Steve

Thanks Steve for above info.

I was aware that the earlier fuzes T47, T48, T49 were re-designated the M129, M130 and M131 respectively -

Does anyone know when the numbers changed from the T-series to the M-series ?

Also anyone have info on these fuzes (or the M83) in documents pre-dating 1944?

Apologies for the bombardment of questions, and many thanks if you can help fill in gaps.

kind regards
Kev.

[butterfly]

Someone mentioned that the M83 'butterfly bomb' was used in Vietnam - can anyone confirm this was the case?
Steve mentioned earlier that it was still mentioned in 'bombs and bomb components' April 1966 - so I'm guessing the info could be correct.
regards
Kev

[Madbomber31]

Not the best photo Kev but here is one found in the 90's

[US-Subs]

Butterfly your timing is a little off, I'm just finishing packing to return to the NL. Someplace I have some photos of very early M83s and fuzes from Picatinny with dates and lot numbers, you will have to remind me later this weekend.

Fortunately, however, my hard drives with the latest Archive searches are just getting packed - your Vietnam questions answered.

[Madbomber31]

Nice photo again Jeff

[US-Subs]

You need to visit the Archive Jack, more there than you could ever imagine.

[Madbomber31]

Looks like i have to take some time of and visit the US next year or have a look at your hard drive