ZB-500Sh


ЗБ-500Ш


Overview


ZB-500Sh

ZB-500Sh incendiary aviation bomb seen on an ammunition trailer.
Source: www.yaplakal.com - © Copyright lies with original owner

Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Aviation bomb
Entered service
Late Cold war
Status
In service
Development
Late Cold war
Developer
Soviet Union
Production
Late Cold war - present
Producer
Soviet Union
Russia
Number produced
Produced in quantity
Designations
ЗБ-500Ш / ЗБ-500ШМ (Cyrillic)
Notable users
Soviet Union

Description


Introduction

The ZB-500Sh is a late Cold War era incendiary aviation bomb of Soviet origin. The ZB-500Sh was designed to arm high speed aircraft operating at both high and low altitudes. Of the various ZB-500 series of aviation bombs the ZB-500Sh seems to be the most prevalent in modern times.

Design

The ZB-500Sh is part of the Soviet 500 kg class of incendiary bombs, which differ significantly in design, purpose and performance. The ZB-500Sh has a cylindrical design with blunt nose and tail cones. There are no fins. Upon release these bombs tumble downwards, with the drag creating space between the bomb and the aircraft. A high explosive bursting charge disperses the napalm-like filler and a white phosphorous igniter.

Firepower

The ZB-500Sh has a SPFM filler and the ZB-500ShM has MPS-2N filler. Both mixtures can be used in rainy conditions. Intended targets are fuel depots, wooden structures and infantry and softskin vehicles in the open.

Platforms

The ZB-500Sh can be fitted to the vast majority of Soviet ground attack and aircraft. It is often seen on Su-17, MiG-27, Su-25 and even modern day Su-34.

Media


Details


Facts ZB-500Sh
General
Origin
Soviet Union
Type
Incendiary aviation bomb
Dimensions
Weight
495 kg for ZB-500Sh
577.5 kg for ZB-500ShM
Length
2.503 m
Diameter
0.50 m
Wingspan
n/a
Lug spacing
250 mm
Warhead
Warhead type
Incendiary
Filler
220 kg SPFM for ZB-500Sh
260 kg MPS-2N for ZB-500ShM
Launch envelope
Release altitude
30 to 1.000 m
Release speed
450 to 1.200 km/h

Platforms


(note: incomplete list)

Sukhoi Su-25

The Su-25 ground attack aircraft is one of the platforms that can use the ZB-500Sh fire bomb.