The Mk15 Mod IV retarder fin assembly provides ground attack aircraft with a high speed, low altitude bombing capability and provides a safe separation from bomb blast. It can be used in either closed low-drag or open high-drag configuarion.
Release wire withdrawal at bomb release permits the release band to separate the latch. The 4 extendable drag plates are then forced open by individual leaf springs.
As the drag plates open and engage the air-stream, pressure builds-up and forces them to open wider. This pulls the sliding collar on the support column aft, thus crushing the shock absorber to cushion the fin opening. The degree of fins opening is proportional to schock absorber compression.
Length: 32 in (813 mm) Mass: 62 Lbs (28 Kg)
Diameter: 62 in (1575 mm) Speed: 250 – 600 KTAS
Total mass: 254.5 ± 6.4 Kg 560 ± 14.1 lb
CoG: 655.9 ± 16 mm 25.8 ± 0.6 inch
Ixx (Roll): n/a
Iyy (Pitch): open 42.2 Kg m2 closed 37.4 Kg m2
Izz (Yaw): open 42.2 Kg m2 closed 37.4 Kg m2
Flight Limit: Mach 1.3
Cd (at M=1.25) 0.383 closed 0.675 fully open (maximum)
TRAJECTORY DATA
| MAU-93/B Low Drag | SNAKEYE Mk15 Mod IV |
| TAS 450 Ktas | TAS 450 Ktas |
| Dive Angle 30 deg | Dive Angle 30 deg |
| Altitude AGL 2069 ft | Altitude AGL 1480 ft |
| Slant Range 4620 ft | Slant Range 2522 ft |
| Flight Time 6 s | Flight Time 5 s |
| Impact Angle 32.8 deg | Impact Angle 46.9 deg |
| Delivery Errors sR 207 ft | Delivery Errors sR 112 ft |