The VB-13 Tarzon was a powerful guided bomb of the postwar period. It was essentially a British 12,000-lb Tall Boy bomb, with a tail section having components similar to those in the VB-3 Razon bomb. It was fitted with a circular shroud, or wide ring, which was mounted near the center of gravity. The purpose of the circular shroud was to provide added lift to increase the bomb range. This type of munition was developed right after World War II, with the project being terminated at the end of 1951.
Several bomb tests were made at Alamogordo, New Mexico, in 1950, using a B-29 bomber. That year, the VB-13 Tarzon would be deployed on Okinawa. It was used in combat three times in December 1950, and in January and March 1951. However, this primitive guided bomb would not be further developed.
Characteristics
The VB-13 Tarzon was radio-controlled by the bombardier in range and azimuth. Like other guided bomb, it was also fitted with gyros for reference and rate of rotational motion. The purpose of the movable surfaces on the tail assembly were for aerodynamic control of weapon. The tail assembly also had ailerons for roll control. Unlike the Razon, which had electrical motors to move the surfaces, the Tarzon used a pneumatic system of compressed air. Meanwhile, a pyrotechnic flare attached to the tail assembly allowed the bombardier to track the bomb in flight. The Bell Aircraft Co. had the contract to furnish the control assemblies attached to the bomb.
Specifications
Type: guided bomb
Length:6.4 m (21 feet)
Diameter: 0.97 m (38 inches)
Wing Span: 1.37 m (4 feet, 6 inches)
Weight: 5,900 kg (13,000 pounds), with tail assembly and circular shroud.
Warhead: 2,400-kg (5,200 pounds) Torpex explosive.
Guidance: radio command.
Below, photo of bomb before being loaded onto aircraft in 1950, during tests.
Video of VB-13 Tarzon during tests.
0 comments:
Post a Comment