ARMING WIRE ASSEMBLIES

NOSE PLUGS There are two basic nose plugs (fig. 1-17) used in general purpose bombs, the solid nose plug (MXU-735/B and MXU-735A/B) and the ogive nose plug. The ogive nose plug provides a pointed arch. A support cup is used in the nose well with the ogive nose plug to provide a solid structure to the bomb. The MXU-735 solid nose plug is designed to provide better penetration of hard targets, without the likelihood of nose plug shearing during oblique impact. The MXU-735 replaces the ogive nose plug and support cup. IDENTIFICATION The high-explosive filler of the bomb (H-6) is identified by the yellow stenciled nomenclature on the bomb body and yellow band(s) around the nose. The lot number is stenciled in white ink on the forward end of the bomb. All Mk 80 (series) general-purpose bombs currently being used aboard ships are required to be thermally protected. Thermally protected Mk 80 series bombs can be identified by the words THERMALLY PROTECTED in the identification legend, a bumpy exterior surface, and two yellow bands around the nose. ARMING WIRE ASSEMBLIES Arming wire assemblies (fig. 1-18) are used for arming procedures during ordnance evolutions. The primary function of arming wire assemblies is to maintain ordnance components in a safe condition until actual release of the bomb from the aircraft. Normally, the wires consist of one or two brass or steel metal strands attached to a swivel loop. Safety Fahnstock clips (fig. 1-18) or safety clips, MAU 166, are attached to the ends of the arming wires after installation. They prevent premature or accidental withdrawal of the arming wires from the component. NOTE: Safety clips are used vice Fahnstock clips unless otherwise specified. Normally, arming wire assemblies are shipped in spiral-wound fiber tubes, over packed in a wooden box. Generally, the safety Fahnstock clips are packed in the tubes with the arming wires. The most commonly used arming wire assemblies are listed in table 1-3. Arming wire installation procedures are discussed in the TRAMAN where the use of arming wire assemblies is required. FIN ASSEMBLIES Fin assemblies, used with the Mk 80 (series) LDGP bombs, provide stability to the bomb. They cause the bomb to fall in a smooth, definite curve to the target, instead of tumbling through the air. The fin assemblies, except the MAU-91A/B, are shipped on metal pallets. Each individual fin is crated in a lightweight, disposable metal crate (fig. 1-19). Some fin assemblies are shipped with bomb lugs attached to the shipping crate, depending upon the particular Navy Ammunition Logistics Code (NALC). Two types of fins are described in this part of the TRAMAN—conical and Snakeye. The conical fin is 1-20 Figure 1-17.—Nose plugs.