general-purpose bomb

weapon

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Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

A general-purpose bomb is a weapon designed to be effective against both troops and materiel. Bombs are devices that carry an explosive charge, fused to detonate under certain conditions, and are either dropped from an aircraft or set in place. Unlike artillery shells or missiles, bombs travel to their targets solely through gravity.12

Conventional bombs typically have a streamlined cylindrical shape with an outer casing, explosive material, stabilizing fins, and fuzes for detonation. General-purpose bombs combine blast and fragmentation effects, making them versatile for various targets and likely the most common type used.2

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bomb
Conventional bomb types
General-purpose bombs combine the effects of both blast and fragmentation and hence can be used against a wide variety of targets. They are probably the commonest type of bomb used. Armour-piercing bombs (also known as “bunker busters”) have a thick case and a pointed tip…
Read More
General-purpose bombs combine the effects of both blast and fragmentation and hence can be used against a wide variety of targets. They are probably the commonest type of bomb used. Armour-piercing bombs (also known as “bunker busters”) have a thick case and a pointed tip…
Read More