A new generation of multi-purpose insensitive bombs Armed Forces have a requirement to enhance the expected performance in a variety of missions, ranging from penetration of hardened targets to fragmentation and blast of semi-hard targets. In may 1997 the DGA launched the BANG programme, with MBDA (previously Matra BAe Dynamics) and SNPE.
The MBDA solution
The BANG (new-generation navy aviation bombs/Bombe Aéronavale de Nouvelle Génération) family is a new generation of multipurpose insensitive bombs, which significantly extends the operational efficiency of air strikes, in particular when fitted with guidance kits (laser, INS/GPS).
There are two different classes, (BANG 125 kg and BANG 250 kg) which are fully interchangeable with Mk 81 and Mk 82 bombs, ordered by the Frech Official Services.
The BANG family is able to defeat a wide variety of targets from soft and semi-hardened to hardened targets. This is due to optimised calibrated fragmentation and blast, plus a high level penetration capability.
The BANG family has also been designed as an insensitive munition, according to MIL-STD 2105, so that it can be safely used and stored easily. Consequently, BANG is currently the most insensitive family of bombs available on the market.
The BANG family is compatible with various fuzes (eg. FMU 139, FMU 143, FEU 80). BANG has been in service since 2000 with the Frenc Navy on board the aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle. |