Munitions

CBU-89 Gator mine

Also known as
  • CBU-89
  • CBU-89/B
  • CBU-89A/B
  • Gator
  • Gator mine
  • Gator mine system

The CBU-89 Gator mine is a U.S.-origin air-delivered cluster munition that emplaces scatterable mines from a SUU-64/B Tactical Munitions Dispenser. Reference sources describe the weapon as a 1,000-pound class munition with BLU-91/B antitank mines, BLU-92/B antipersonnel mines, and an optional FZU-39 proximity sensor.

Profile / Specs

Specifications

Weapon class
1,000-pound class air-delivered cluster munition
Dispenser
SUU-64/B Tactical Munitions Dispenser
Payload
72 BLU-91/B antitank mines and 22 BLU-92/B antipersonnel mines
Optional sensor
FZU-39 proximity sensor
Dimensions
Length 7 ft. 8 in.; diameter 16 in.
Carrier Aircraft

The B-1B fact sheet lists CBU-87/89 cluster munitions among the bomber's internal weapons-bay loads.

CarrierCarrier typeCarriage evidence
B-1B Lancer, Long-range, multi-role supersonic bomber, Aircraft & UAVsB-1B LancerLong-range bomber

The B-1B fact sheet says the bomber can carry CBU-87/89 cluster munitions in its internal weapons bays.

Sources: B-1B Lancer

Documented Configuration

Reference sources describe the Gator mine as a 1,000-pound class munition built around a tactical munitions dispenser and a mixed mine payload.

ComponentDetailSource
DispenserSUU-64/B Tactical Munitions Dispenser.GlobalSecurity.org
Antitank mines72 BLU-91/B mines.GlobalSecurity.org
Antipersonnel mines22 BLU-92/B mines.GlobalSecurity.org
Proximity sensorOptional FZU-39 proximity sensor.DVIDS Weapons Systems Almanac
Service And Conflict Use

Service History

In service
U.S. Air Force Gator mine system for rapid scatterable minefield emplacement.
Used by
United States Air Force
Related Weapon Systems
5-inch rockets, Unguided 5-inch rocket family, MunitionsMunitions5-inch rocketsUnguided 5-inch rocket familyThe 5-inch rockets family covers U.S. air-to-surface rockets from the World War II HVAR, also called Holy Moses, through the later Zuni 5-inch FFAR. Smithsonian sources describe the HVAR as an effective Navy weapon that remained operational until 1955, while the Zuni entered service around 1958 with folding fins and continued in use into the 1980s. AV-8B inventory documentation still lists 5-inch rockets among the Harrier's air-to-ground stores.

Sources