Naval Historywith Dr. Alex

Q&A · 1:04:06-1:04:24

Why the RAF lacked a specialized runway weapon in 1982

The RAF lacked a suitable specialized runway-cratering weapon for the aircraft available during Black Buck.

Falklands WarOperation Black BuckRoyal Air ForceRunway Denial
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Question

Did the RAF possess specialized runway-cratering munitions during the Falklands War?

Short answer

No; the RAF developed that capability mainly after 1982 and had no suitable weapon ready for its available aircraft during Black Buck.

Notes

The RAF had no suitable specialized runway-cratering munition for its available aircraft in 1982. Development of that capability came mainly after the Falklands War demonstrated the requirement. The problem therefore combined the absence of a usable weapon with the limits of the aircraft available for the operation.