CBU-42

I used CBU-42 in Vietnam in 1970-1971 on my F-100 from Phan Rang Air Base. We spread these along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.

CBU-42 was a CBU-24 bomblet, modified as an aerial mine, and carried in a downward-ejecting casing that stayed with the aircraft. The bomblets streamed out when the pilot pushed the bomb button. Fins on the bomblet spin-armed it, but full arming did not occur until after the bomblet stopped on the ground.

When it armed, the bomblet threw off several spring-loaded pieces which were connected to the bomblet by clear thin nylon fishing line. The pieces would hang up in bushes. If someone walked near the bomblet, he would pull on the fishing line and detonate the bomblet. The bomblet had a small battery, and when the battery eventually died the bomblet was rendered inert, so it was not a permanent hazard.

Photos: CBU-24 bomblet (exploded on contact) - this was the basis for the CBU-42 aerial mine.

F-100 on mission in Vietnam. CBU-42 is in the outboard wing pylon (close to viewer) and is hard to see because it blends in against the large external fuel tank behind it. My photo.