Hi Andy,
This is from the MULTI-COMMAND INSTRUCTION 11-F16 vol 5
5.8.3. High Altitude Release Bomb (HARB) and High Altitude Dive Bomb (HADB)
HARB and HADB are deliveries from medium or high altitude preferably using 30� or steeper dive.
Roll-in altitude is typically achieved from a high altitude ingress. Problems associated with HARB and
HADB include high crosswinds, lateral miss bomb release inhibit (if using CCRP), delay cues, and high G
releases due to delay cues. In addition, weapons effects may vary greatly from those expected at lower
release altitudes. Increased slant ranges, longer radar ranging, and high transonic release airspeeds all
result in unpredictable bomb separation effects, cluster munition patterns and unpredictable weapon
impact points. Above 15,000 feet AGL, GPS equipped aircraft with a high navigation system status and
accurate target coordinates, should consider dropping in CCRP in order to minimize visual aiming errors.
When dropping GP bombs, release intervals should be at the minimum, due to increase bomb time of fall,
long release intervals, and separation effects. For cluster bombs, use the lowest HOB compatible with the
ordnance and desired weapons effects to minimize dispersion of submunitions due to wind effects.
Advantages:
� Increased bomb impact angle and penetration.
� Increased time for target acquisition.
� Recoveries may be accomplished above small arms/light AAA threats.
Disadvantages:
� Increased exposure to SAM and air-to-air threats.
� Unpredictable weapons effects.
� Decreased accuracy with free fall munitions; especially CBU.
� Difficult to maintain visual mutual support during recovery and egress due to large altitude changes.
The thing about releases above 10000 AGL sounds familiar, but I thought that it was a too easy answer.
