Model name: MK 82 "Snake Eye" Bomb
Application: Collection,Souvenir Gift, Home Office Decoration,Educational,Model display
Age Range: > 14 years old
Type: 3D printed model
Material: PETG Plastic
Scale: 1:14
Size: approx 15.8cm(L)/6.2inch(L)
Package:Missile model kit,Display stand,Simple packaging
The MK 82 "Snake Eye": A Low-Level, Retarded Bomb
The MK 82 is a foundational 500-pound (250 kg) class general-purpose bomb in the United States military's inventory. The "Snake Eye" is not a separate bomb, but rather the nickname for a standard MK 82 that is equipped with a special retarding tail kit, officially known as the Mk 15 Air-Inflatable Retarder (AIR) Tail Assembly.
Key Characteristics
Weight: 500 lbs (227 kg)
Explosive Fill: Typically 192 lbs (87 kg) of H6 or Tritonal high explosive
Status: Active Service, widely used by the U.S. and allied nations for decades.
Key Feature: High-drag, retarding tail assembly for low-altitude delivery.
The Problem: Low-Level Bombing
When a bomb is dropped from a fast-moving aircraft at low altitude, two major problems occur:
It continues forward on a relatively flat trajectory, risking that the aircraft will fly directly over or very close to the blast zone when it detonates.
It has very little time to fall, giving the pilot almost no margin for error.
The Solution: The "Snake Eye" Fins
The Mk 15 AIR tail kit solves this problem through a simple yet brilliant mechanical design:
Closed Position: The four large metal fins are folded forward against the bomb's body during carriage under the aircraft, maintaining a sleek aerodynamic profile.
Open Position: Upon release, springs force the fins to pivot open into a steep, "X"-shape configuration.
Creating Drag: These opened fins act as an air brake, creating immense aerodynamic drag. This rapidly slows the bomb's forward speed, causing it to fall almost straight down.
Operational Benefits
This high-drag functionality provides critical tactical advantages:
Aircraft Survival: It allows the attacking aircraft to safely "toss" the bomb and turn away before the weapon detonates, keeping it clear of the blast and fragmentation radius.
Low-Altitude Attacks: Enables effective bombing from very low levels, beneath cloud cover or enemy radar, enhancing survivability and surprise.
Improved Accuracy: By reducing the forward throw of the bomb, it allows for more precise strikes from low altitude, as the bomb's impact point is more directly below the release point.
Comparison with Other Retardation Methods
The "Snake Eye" is one of several methods to achieve retarded delivery. Others include:
BSU-49/B Air Inflatable Retarder (AIR): A newer, ballute (balloon-parachute) bag that inflates behind the bomb, creating drag with less aerodynamic disturbance.
Airfoil Group (AIR) Retarder Kits: Parachute-based retarders that deploy after release.
The "Snake Eye" remains a popular and reliable mechanical option.
Summary
In essence, the MK 82 "Snake Eye" is a classic example of practical problem-solving in military aviation. By simply bolting on a cleverly designed tail kit, a standard general-purpose bomb is transformed into a highly effective and safe weapon for low-level tactical strike missions. Its distinctive opened fins and the resulting near-vertical descent profile have made it an iconic weapon in modern warfare.