Details

Introduction
The MK-84 2000 lb Bomb Casing serves as the hardened steel shell for the U.S. Mark 84 general-purpose aerial bomb, the largest in the 1,000-series family introduced during the Vietnam War. With a nominal weight of 2,000 lb (actual weight 1,972–2,028 lb depending on fin and fuze configuration), it houses approximately 945 lb of high-explosive fill—typically Tritonal or PBXN-109—enabling a crater up to 50 ft wide and 36 ft deep upon detonation. The casing’s low-drag, streamlined profile and precise machining ensure compatibility with both unguided delivery and a variety of precision-guidance kits (e.g.,Paveway, JDAM), making it a versatile warhead across all-weather and all-altitude missions.

Key Features
 • High-Strength Alloy Construction: Forged and heat-treated 40Ni6Cr4Mo3 steel provides a tensile strength of 1,100–1,250 MPa and Vickers hardness of 352–375 HV, balancing toughness and resistance to in-service stresses.
 • Aerodynamic, Low-Drag Design: Smooth, burr-free outer profile with flow-direction machining minimizes drag for stable, predictable ballistic performance.
 • Modular Compatibility: Six equispaced 7 mm slots and four M12 × 1.75 P tapped holes on a 290 mm PCD allow attachment of tail fins, guidance strakes, or handling fixtures—supporting variants from free-fall “dumb” bombs to GPS/INS “smart” munitions.
 • Full Traceability & QA: Each forging batch is accompanied by NABL-accredited chemical and mechanical test certificates; independent on-site sampling and testing are conducted if certificates are missing or incomplete.

Technical Specifications

  

    

      
Characteristic
      
Value
    
  
  

    

      
Overall Length
      
2,480 mm
    
    

      
Maximum Diameter
      
457.10 mm
    
    

      
Nominal Weight
      
2,000 lb (907.2 kg); actual 1,972–2,028 lb
    
    

      
Explosive Filling
      
945 lb Tritonal or PBXN-109
    
    

      
Penetration Capability
      
Up to 11 ft of reinforced concrete
    
    

      
Slots & Tapped Holes
      
6 × 7 mm slots; 4 × M12 × 1.75 P on Ø 290 mm PCD
    
    

      
Material
      
Steel alloy 40Ni6Cr4Mo3
    
    

      
Manufacturing Process
      
Forged, flow-formed, heat-treated, machined
    
  


Applications
 • Unguided GP Bombs: Standard free-fall ordnance for area suppression.
 • Laser-Guided Munitions (Paveway Series): Integration of laser seeker kits for pinpoint strikes under clear-sky conditions.
 • GPS/INS-Guided Munitions (JDAM): Retrofittable tail-kits transform the MK-84 into all-weather “smart” bombs with CEP < 30 ft.
 • Sea Mines (Quickstrike): Conversion into rapid-deployment naval mines.
 • Bunker-Penetrating Warheads: Fitted with hardened nose plugs for deep concrete penetration.

Mechanical & Metallurgical Requirements
 • Ultimate Tensile Strength: 1,100–1,250 MPa
 • Yield Strength: ≥ 880 MPa
 • Elongation at Break: ≥ 11%
 • Hardness (Vickers): 352–375 HV
 • Forging & Flow Forming: Grain-flow orientation along the axis achieved via controlled multi-stage forging and/or flow-forming processes, enhancing fatigue resistance.
 • Heat Treatment: Quench and temper cycles precisely controlled to develop the required microstructure (tempered martensite) and avoid quench cracks.

Non-Destructive Testing
 • Ultrasonic Testing (ASTM A388): Detection of internal discontinuities; flat-bottom hole (FBH) indications ≤ 1.2 mm accepted; reject on loss of back-reflection or < 10% FSH.
 • Magnetic Particle Testing (IS 3703:2004): Surface crack detection using head-tailstock or central conductor methods; zero tolerance for surface defects; full demagnetization post-test.
 • Radiography (MIL-STD 2154, where required): Verification of wall thickness uniformity and internal voids in high-stress regions.

Component Inspection & Assembly
 • Incoming Material Inspection: Review of NABL certificates; random sampling for mechanical, chemical, and NDT verification if documentation is inadequate.
 • Dimensional Control: Coordinate-measuring machines (CMMs) verify all critical dimensions (slots, holes, chamfers) against the full-assembly drawing; results logged in Appendix B check sheets.
 • Gauge Calibration: All inspection tools calibrated to national standards; calibration dates and operator IDs recorded.
 • Assembly Sequence: Only components passing inspection proceed; fuzewell, closing disc, and nose plug are mechanically and hydraulically tested for seal integrity before final assembly.
 • Quality Assurance Sign-off: A formal release board signs off on every lot, confirming compliance with DP (Delivery Period) requirements.

Conclusion
The MK-84 2000 lb Bomb Casing combines proven aerodynamics, modular adaptability, and stringent metallurgical standards to deliver a warhead shell of exceptional reliability. Its traceable, high-strength alloy construction and rigorous NDT regime ensure safe handling,
precise delivery, and consistent performance across a wide array of munitions roles—from legacy free-fall bombs to cutting-edge precision-guided systems.

      


        High-Precision Bomb Casings for Military Ordnance Applications

        The production of reliable military ordnance requires robust and precise bomb casings. MK-84 bomb casings, 2000 lb bomb shells, and A2324 bomb casings are engineered to meet stringent operational and safety standards for aerial deployment. These aerial bomb casings provide structural integrity for military ordnance shells, ensuring consistent performance under extreme conditions.

        Manufactured from forged steel, these heat-treated bomb casings deliver exceptional strength and durability. High-strength bomb shells and MK84 bomb bodies are further enhanced through precision machining processes, guaranteeing dimensional accuracy and performance reliability. The combination of advanced metallurgy, heat treatment, and precision manufacturing ensures that these precision-machined bomb casings meet the rigorous requirements of modern defense applications.

        These high-quality bomb casings are essential for defense forces seeking dependable, safe, and high-performance ordnance solutions.