Munitions Firefighting Practice Exam

What type of bomb consists of a dispenser and bomblets?

1. Timed explosive bomb

2. CBU

3. High explosive bomb

4. Incendiary bomb

The correct answer is: CBU

The type of bomb that consists of a dispenser and bomblets is known as a CBU, or Cluster Bomb Unit. A CBU is designed to release multiple smaller explosives (known as bomblets) over a wide area upon detonation. This allows for an effective area denial or saturation bombing effect, making it useful in targeting larger enemy formations or equipment. The key feature of a CBU is the dispenser, which is the casing that houses the bomblets and releases them during a specific phase of the bomb's deployment or after it strikes the ground. This technology allows for the delivery of several smaller munitions while minimizing collateral damage in certain contexts compared to dropping several individual bombs. The other options do not accurately fit the description of a bomb featuring both a dispenser and bomblets. Timed explosive bombs typically have a mechanism that activates their explosive charge after a set period, high explosive bombs generally refer to single large explosive devices meant for direct impact, and incendiary bombs are designed to ignite fires rather than disperse smaller explosive devices. Thus, recognizing the distinctive function and structure of a CBU is essential to understanding why it is the correct answer.