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| AN-52 | |
|---|---|
.JPG) | |
| Type | Nuclear bomb |
| Place of origin | France |
| Service history | |
| In service | 1972-1992 |
| Production history | |
| No. built | 80-100 |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 455 kg (1,003 lbs) |
| Length | 4.2 m (13 ft 9 in) |
| Blast yield | Low: 6–8 kilotons High: 25 kilotons |
TheAN-52 was a French pre-strategic nuclear weapon carried byfighter 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.
The AN-52 was 4.2 m (13 ft 9 in) long and weighed 455 kg (1,003 lb). It shared theMR 50 CTC (charge tactique commune - common tactical warhead)warhead of thePluton missile, with two yield options: a low-yield version with an explosive yield of 6 to 8kilotons and a higher-yield version with a 25 kt yield.[1]
It was carried byDassault Mirage IIIE,SEPECAT Jaguar A, andDassault Super Étendard aircraft. It was also temporarily carried by the first 30Dassault Mirage 2000N-K1 nuclear-strike fighters, pending introduction of the standard Mirage 2000N-K2 version, which was armed with theASMP nuclear cruise missile.
It was retired in 1992 in favour of theASMP missile.
A practice example of the AN 52 is preserved on its trolley in the main hangar at theMusée de l'aéronautique navale [fr], Rochefort, France. Note the AN 52 is not identified as such and has neither labeling or signage.
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