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French Bomb

jvollenberg

Well-Known Member
Ordnance approved
The museum at Fort Lee Virginia has this French bomb I am trying to get some information on. The only things I have on it, right now, are the images provided. Any assistance would be great ...

plus now you guys have the images as well.

Joe
 

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Standard French aircraft bomb Bomb of 1990-2000: HE SAMP type 25 (type 250), with drag chute, overall weight 250kg including 100kg explosive (Tolite)
SAMP stands for Société des Ateliers Mécanique de Port-sur-Sambre. these bombs are produced for Matra.

Some illustrations by ravenclow_007 from Combatace forum
SAMP Type25 with tail 25A
SAMP Type25 with tail 25A.jpg
SAMP Type25C with tail Type 25 B(D)
SAMP Type25C with tail Type 25 B(D).jpg

SAMP Type25C with tail Type 25E
SAMP Type25C with tail Type 25E.jpg

SAMP Type 25 CE with tail Type 200 (closed)
SAMP Type 25 CE with tail Type 200 (closed) .jpg

SAMP Type 25 F1 with tail Type 25E
SAMP Type 25 F1 with tail Type 25E.jpg
SAMP Type 25F1 (Matra 250 HDGP - German air Force) with T200 retarder (closed)
SAMP Type 25F1 (Matra 250 HDGP - German air Force) with T200 retarder (closed).jpgSAMP Type 25F1 (Matra 250 HDGP - German air Force) with T200 retarder (closed) 2.jpg

SAMP Type 25F1 (Matra 250 HDGP - German air Force) with T200 retarder (open)
SAMP Type 25F1 (Matra 250 HDGP - German air Force) with T200 retarder (open).jpg
 
Last edited:
Some more details
Type 25C

  • Length : 2 120 mm (83 in)
  • Diameter : 320 mm (13 in)
  • Weight : 247 kg (545 lbs)

  • Charge : 123,5 kg (272,271 lbs)
  • HE

Type 25F1

  • Length : 2 080 mm (82 in)
  • Diameter : 305 mm (12 in)
  • Weight : 250 kg (551 lbs)

  • HE
These bombs can be equipped with drag chute kit Matra Type 200 or Type SFA
SAMP type 25 B3183UL004.JPG
 
why do they use two fuses in some of those bombs? I see one nose fuse and one tail fuse? Sorry if the question could seem dumb but I'm new to the bombs community and Im learning.

thanks!!

mike
 
While there are a couple of other reasons, the use of dual fuzing increases the reliability of the weapon system. While it doesn't "double" the chances of the bomb exploding, it does greatly increase it. In the best of cases, most munitions are considered very reliable if 90% of the launched, fired, dropped munitions function on impact. The inherent safeties, as well as the potential for human error in the manufacture, preparation, loading and employment of an item all contribute to the chances for failure. Couple this with the cost of the mission, the risk to the weapon system and especially the pilot, and the cost of the second fuze seems very minor.
Just my thoughts, and they apply primarily to US airdropped munitions....
 
French type 21C used by French Air Force
21C
Length : 2 190 mm (86 in)
Diamater : 396 mm (16 in)
Weight : 400 kg (882 lbs) including explosive charge:160 kg (353 lbs)
 
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