CBU-87 cluster munition

Also known as

CBU-87/B
CBU-87 Combined Effects Munition
CEM

The CBU-87 cluster munition is a U.S. air-delivered Combined Effects Munition built around the SUU-65/B Tactical Munitions Dispenser and 202 BLU-97/B bomblets. Forecast International describes the weapon as a 1,000-pound CEM with a guided CBU-103/B derivative, and the B-1B Lancer fact sheet lists CBU-87 cluster munitions among the bomber's internal loads.

CBU-87 cluster munition, Cluster munition, Munitions

Image source: Cbu-87 cluster bomb.jpg

Profile / Specs

Profile

Origin: United States
Built by: Aerojet OrdnanceAlliant TechsystemsPrimex Technologies
Type: Cluster munition
Service note: 1983-present; production dormant after 2003
Designed: 1970s
Unit cost: About $12,010 per all-up CBU-87/B in FY1995 documents; Forecast International later cited $14,320 for a slightly smaller buy.
Produced: 1983-2003; production dormant after the latest order
Number built: At least 158,520 CBU-87/B weapons by January 1, 2003

cluster munition air-delivered air-launched strike

Specifications

Weight: About 1,000 lb (roughly 454 kg)
Dispenser: SUU-65/B Tactical Munitions Dispenser
Submunitions: 202 BLU-97/B combined-effects bomblets
Dimensions: About 6 ft long and 15.61 in in diameter
Guidance: Unguided in baseline form; the CBU-103/B derivative added WCMD guidance

Variants

CBU-87B/B
CBU-87C/B
CBU-87(D2)/B
CBU-87(T-1)/B
CBU-103/B
CBU-87/B training munition

Carrier Aircraft

The B-1B fact sheet lists CBU-87 cluster munitions among the bomber's internal armament.

Carrier

Carrier type

Carriage evidence

B-1B Lancer, Long-range, multi-role supersonic bomber, Aircraft & UAVs

Long-range bomber

The U.S. Air Force B-1B fact sheet says the bomber's internal bays can accommodate 30 CBU-87/89 cluster munitions or CBU-97 Sensor Fused Weapons.

Sources: B-1B Lancer

Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service: Serial production began in 1983, became dormant after the latest order, and the weapon remained in service with the U.S. Air Force and at least two other nations.
Used by: United States Air Force, Egypt, Turkey

Media

CBU-87 cluster munition Images

CBU-87 cluster munition, Cluster munition, Munitions - view 1 — Source: CBU-87 b.jpg

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Sources

CBU-87/B Combined Effects Munition reportPublisher: Forecast International | Note: Supports CBU-87/B specifications, manufacturer context, production history, unit cost, and the CBU-103/B derivative relationship. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 U.S. CBU seriesPublisher: Designation-Systems | Note: Supports CBU-87 series identification, the SUU-65/B dispenser context, the 202 BLU-97/B payload, and the designation history for the CBU-87 family. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 B-1B LancerPublisher: U.S. Air Force | Note: Supports carrier-compatibility context: the B-1B fact sheet lists 30 CBU-87, CBU-89, or CBU-97 cluster munitions among the bomber's armament. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 Cbu-87 cluster bomb.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and public-license context for the primary CBU-87 gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27 CBU-87 b.jpgPublisher: Wikimedia Commons | Note: Supports image provenance and public-license context for the secondary CBU-87 gallery image. | Accessed: 2026-06-27