Which statement is true about a retarded bomb?

Which statement is true about a retarded bomb?

• A. Fins remain closed to slow the weapon
• B. Fins open to slow down the weapon and allow the aircraft sufficient time to clear the target area
• C. It cannot be used for low-level bombing
• D. It is used only with high-altitude bombing

Answer: (C)

A retarded bomb uses a tail drag device that deploys after the bomb is released, creating extra air resistance. This added drag slows the bomb’s descent, giving the aircraft time to pull away and clear the target area before impact. Because drag is produced by the fins opening, the correct statement is that the fins open to slow the weapon and allow the aircraft sufficient time to clear the area. The idea that the fins stay closed to slow it down is opposite of how retardation works, since you need the drag from the deployed fins to slow the bomb. It isn’t accurate to say it cannot be used for low-level bombing or that it’s restricted to high-altitude use; retardation devices are used to shape the delivery profile and allow safe egress under various mission conditions, not exclusively tied to one altitude.

A retarded bomb uses a tail drag device that deploys after the bomb is released, creating extra air resistance. This added drag slows the bomb’s descent, giving the aircraft time to pull away and clear the target area before impact. Because drag is produced by the fins opening, the correct statement is that the fins open to slow the weapon and allow the aircraft sufficient time to clear the area.

The idea that the fins stay closed to slow it down is opposite of how retardation works, since you need the drag from the deployed fins to slow the bomb. It isn’t accurate to say it cannot be used for low-level bombing or that it’s restricted to high-altitude use; retardation devices are used to shape the delivery profile and allow safe egress under various mission conditions, not exclusively tied to one altitude.