Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
AN-22 bomb
The AN-22 was France's second air-dropped nuclear weapon.
The AN-22 was an advanced replacement for the earlier AN-11 bomb, entering service in 1967. It had a similar fission warhead with a yield of 60 to 70 kilotons, but improved safety features.
The AN-22 was improved in service with a substantially changed casing, lowering its weight from 1,400 kg (3,086 lb) to about 700 kg (1,543 lb). Yield was unchanged. The weapon was also equipped with a parachute retarder to enable it to be dropped at low level.
The AN-22 was carried by the Dassault Mirage IV. A stockpile of about 40 weapons was maintained, providing one for each of the 36 Mirage IVAs in service, plus several spares.
The last of these weapons was retired 1 July 1988 in favor of the ASMP stand-off weapon .
See also Force de frappe.
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