What type of bomb release allows the aircraft to release weapons once predetermined parameters have been met?

• A. Manual release
• B. Timed-release
• C. Automatic-computed release
• D. Fixed release

Answer: (C)

The idea is to have weapons release happen only when the flight and target conditions meet a calculated set of criteria. Automatic-computed release uses a fire-control computer to evaluate factors such as aircraft speed and altitude, range to the target, wind and ballistic data, and other sensor inputs. When the computed solution shows that the predetermined parameters are satisfied—meaning the weapon will arrive on target under the planned trajectory—the system automatically releases the/load weapons. This method reduces pilot workload and increases accuracy and safety by ensuring release occurs only under the exact conditions required.

Manual release relies on the pilot triggering the release, which can be off-nominal if timing or conditions aren’t ideal. Timed-release triggers a release after a set countdown, regardless of whether the parameters are met. Fixed release happens at a fixed point, independent of real-time data, so it doesn’t adapt to actual approach conditions. Automatic-computed release is the approach that ties release to meeting those predefined criteria.