CBU-78/B GATOR

Gator CBU-78/B

Main Points.

  • GATOR is an anti-tank/antipersonnel mine weapon
  • The 500-lb Navy version carries 45 anti-tank and 15 antipersonnel mines in a Rockeye dispenser
  • The 1000-lb Air Force version carries 72 anti-tank and 22 antipersonnel mines
  • The mines can be set to self-detonate at preset times.
  • The Air Force used GATOR extensively during Desert Storm

The CBU-78/B GATOR is a 500-lb class air-delivered anti-armor/antipersonnel mine system.  The system consists of 45 anti-tank mines and 15 antipersonnel mines carried in a Rockeye Mk. 7 dispenser. Navy F-18 or Marine AV-8B aircraft can deliver GATOR.  A 1000-lb class GATOR variant also exists for the Air Force, which can be delivered by a variety of air force aircraft.  GATOR mines arm immediately on impact with the ground. The anti-tank mine has a magnetic influence fuze that can distinguish between armored and unarmored vehicles, and will detonate when the target is most vulnerable. It will defeat the underbelly of most armored vehicles.  The antipersonnel mine is equipped with four trip-wires that deploy out of the top of the mine.

The size of the deployment pattern is directly proportional to the altitude at which the Rockeye canister opens and scatters the mines. Either the dispenser electromechanical fuze or an optional proximity sensor controls the opening altitude. Each mine is round in shape and encased in a number of stabilization fins that activate on impact and ensure that the mine is deployed properly in an upright position.

The GATOR mines can also have several timed fuze options. The variable time option causes the mines to explode randomly over a period of days, for area denial and harassment operations. A set-time option will detonate all of the mines at a specific time, thus facilitating friendly combat operations.

            The U.S. Air Force deployed over 1000 GATORs during Operation Desert Storm.