SPBE Submunition

Image of a deployed SPBE (4)

Background

The SPBE, or self-targeting combat element, submunition was developed by NPO Bazalt primarily to reduce costs associated with aerial dropped or delivered ordnance. As most guided bombs and missiles can be quite costly, the SPBE was to be the Soviet answer for large, armored targets being destroyed by a much smaller and cheaper weapons system that could search for and engage its targets independently. Capabilities include armored targets such as tanks and troop carriers with multiple target destruction being possible per payload delivery system via explosively formed projectile (1).

Purpose and Use

The SPBE can be deployed by aerial dropped ordnance or multi-launch rocket systems, however delivery via the RBK-500 cluster bomb is more likely which is capable of carrying 15 submunitions per bomb. Upon separation from the carrier ordnance, the parachute system allows the SPBE to slowly fall and give the targeting system time to identify its target through the use of an infrared detector/millimetric sensor and function the EFP at distances up to 100 meters away, with up to 70 mm of armor penetration being possible (2, 6).

Image of a deployed SPBE (4)

Cutaway of a RBK-500 cluster bomb showcasing the SPBE submunitions inside (6)

Identification

Display of a dummy round SPBE-D (5)

Display of an SPBE dummy round with parachute deployed and in automatic target sensing mode (5)

Close up view of a dummy SPBE with underside cone visible (5)

The SPBE is 185 mm by 384 mm with potential size differences noted in the SPBE-D and SPBE-K models, however, literature describing the differences in the models is lacking in distinguishing any significant change. Treat all versions of SPBE with the same level of caution. Cyrillic markings can be found on the side of the SPBE denoting the ordnance name and model version, however, markings can become damaged and unreadable so proper identification must always be paramount before RSP or disposal methods are considered. The SPBE is cylindrical in shape for the main charge with a side-attached component that houses the electronics for the sensing and firing systems. Sticking out to either side of the munition up at the attachment point for the parachute are fins that aid in spinning while the ordnance is parachuting down. This allows the sensors to scan the area beneath them for potential targets (6).

Front view of an SPBE in Syria with clear view of IR targeting sensor (3)

Rear view of an SPBE in Syria (3)

Components

Diagram of the SPBE with individual component labeling (2)

Potential translation for previous diagram, however, errors in translation may be present (sourced via Google)

Fuze Arming and Functioning

The IR sensor will be actively looking for a metallic target during descent with an outward angle of approximately 30 degrees. The onboard computer will determine when a target has been found then calculate the distance to ensure appropriate range before activating the main charge. Should the lack of target result in the SPBE landing on the ground unexploded, it can then act as a mine waiting for a metallic vehicle signature to cross its IR sensor and then set it off. It will remain active until the internal power has drained sufficiently to shut it down (2, 6).

Safety Precautions

The SPBE sensor is designed to detect large metallic objects up to and over 100m away. It is unknown how long the internal computer system and power supply will keep the munition active in which case all UXO suspected to be of this type should be considered active and not approached and remotely disposed of. Should approach be necessary, however, a rear approach is to be conducted to stay out of view of the IR sensor. Direction of munition orientation should be considered prior to disposal, as potential for the munition to function as designed could result in the EFP being launched.

Specifications

Sources

[1] Airwar.ru. (n.d.). RBK-500 SPBE-D. http://www.airwar.ru/weapon/ab/rbk500.html

[2] ARES. (2015, October 6). SPBE submunitions employed in Syria. Armament Research Services (ARES). https://armamentresearch.com/rbk-500-spbe-cargo-munitions-employed-in-syria/

[3] green_lemonnn. (2015, October 6). Photos: Russian sensor-fuzed SPBE-D sub-munition (cluster bomb) used near #aleppo #syria . Twitter. https://twitter.com/Conflicts/status/651353748544061440

[4] Human Rights Watch. (2015, October 10). Syria: New Russian-made Cluster Munition reported. https://www.hrw.org/news/2015/10/10/syria-new-russian-made-cluster-munition-reported

[5] Topwar.ru. (2018, February 14). SPBE, SPBE-D and SPBE-K self-aiming combat elements. Topwar. https://en.topwar.ru/135971-samopricelivayuschiesya-boevye-elementy-spbe-spbe-d-i-spbe-k.html

[6] Weapons and Technologies of Russia: XXI Century Encyclopedia. Scientific and technical publication. Ammunition and means of destruction. (1999). . Publishing House “Arms and Technologies,.”

Disclaimer

All information contained within is based on the best information known to be available at the time of publication and is meant to educate and assist Explosive Ordnance Disposal Personnel but does not supersede sound judgement and decision making while in the field. All explosive ordnance operations and procedures must be conducted by trained professionals within the scope of standard operating procedures designated to the EOD operators by their respective unit or command.