For faster navigation, this Iframe is preloading the Wikiwand page for AN-52 bomb.

AN-52 bomb

This article includes a list of references, related reading, or external links, but its sources remain unclear because it lacks inline citations. Please help improve this article by introducing more precise citations. (September 2021) (Learn how and when to remove this message)

AN-52
TypeNuclear bomb
Place of originFrance
Service history
In service1972-1992
Production history
No. built80-100
Specifications
Mass455 kg (1,003 lbs)
Length4.2 m (13 ft 9 in)

Blast yieldLow: 6–8 kilotons
High: 25 kilotons

The AN-52 was a French pre-strategic nuclear weapon carried by fighter bomber aircraft.

The weapon was first tested on 28 August 1972, and entered service in October of that year. Between 80 and 100 bombs were manufactured for use by French tactical aircraft.

Description

[edit]

The AN-52 was 4.2 m (13 ft 9 in) long and weighed 455 kg (1,003 lb). It shared the MR 50 CTC (charge tactique commune - common tactical warhead) warhead of the Pluton missile, with two yield options: a low-yield version with an explosive yield of 6 to 8 kilotons and a higher-yield version with a 25 kt yield.

Operational use

[edit]

It was carried by Dassault Mirage IIIE, SEPECAT Jaguar A, and Dassault Super Étendard aircraft. It was also temporarily carried by the first 30 Dassault Mirage 2000N-K1 nuclear-strike fighters, pending introduction of the standard Mirage 2000N-K2 version, which was armed with the ASMP nuclear cruise missile.

It was retired in 1992 in favour of the ASMP missile.

Preserved examples

[edit]

A practice example of the AN 52 is preserved on its trolley in the main hangar at the Musée de l'aéronautique navale [fr], Rochefort, France. Note the AN 52 is not identified as such and has neither labeling or signage.

References

[edit]
  • Norris, Robert, Burrows, Andrew, Fieldhouse, Richard Nuclear Weapons Databook, Volume V, British, French and Chinese Nuclear Weapons, San Francisco, Westview Press, 1994, ISBN 0-8133-1612-X


{{bottomLinkPreText}} {{bottomLinkText}}
AN-52 bomb
Listen to this article

This browser is not supported by Wikiwand :(
Wikiwand requires a browser with modern capabilities in order to provide you with the best reading experience.
Please download and use one of the following browsers:

This article was just edited, click to reload
This article has been deleted on Wikipedia (Why?)

Back to homepage

Please click Add in the dialog above
Please click Allow in the top-left corner,
then click Install Now in the dialog
Please click Open in the download dialog,
then click Install
Please click the "Downloads" icon in the Safari toolbar, open the first download in the list,
then click Install
{{::$root.activation.text}}

Install Wikiwand

Install on Chrome Install on Firefox
Don't forget to rate us

Tell your friends about Wikiwand!

Gmail Facebook Twitter Link

Enjoying Wikiwand?

Tell your friends and spread the love:
Share on Gmail Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Buffer

Our magic isn't perfect

You can help our automatic cover photo selection by reporting an unsuitable photo.

This photo is visually disturbing This photo is not a good choice

Thank you for helping!


Your input will affect cover photo selection, along with input from other users.

X

Get ready for Wikiwand 2.0 🎉! the new version arrives on September 1st! Don't want to wait?