Rare Inert USAF Fragmentation Cluster Bomb Vietnam Era

This is a rare inert US Air Force BLU-49/B bomblet, part of the CBU-38/A Cluster Bomb. This bomb was desgined specifically for deep jungle canopy penetration, used for disruption of access tracks and encampments within the heavily forested and jungle environments of Vietnam. The bombs were fitted with a variety of different fuses, ranging from impact detonation to random time delay, wreaking havoc for the NVA and Vietcong ground forces. This example is dated 1971 and retains its unusual spring loaded tail fin assembly which would have been retarcted for stowage, releasing upon deployment by the CBU-38A canister.