OFAB-100 and 250 Bombs

Eduard BRASSIN, 1/48 scale

Reviewed by Phil Parsons

Eduard's 1/48 scale MiG-23 Wheels are available online from Squadron.com

OFAB-100 Iron Bomb

This Cold War-era bomb was designed for anti-personnel use. It can be carried externally or internally (the Tu-22M “Backfire” can accommodate eighteen) and is cleared for supersonic use. The casing is thin, highly-frangible hardened iron and the main effect is fragmentation. The drop speed envelope is 269kts - Mach 1.1 and the drop altitude window is 1640’ - 49,210’

The OFAB-100 was used by the USSR extensively by the USSR during the Afghanistan War, by everything from Su-25 “Frogfoot” attack planes, to MiG-21 “Fishbed” fighters, up to Tu-22M “Backfire” bombers. Along with the FAB-250, it was one of the most common iron bombs of the conflict.

Cuban planes dropped this bomb with regularity during the fighting in Angola in the 1970s/1980s. Some of the Cuban stockpile was left behind and inherited by the Angolan air force.

Iraq used this bomb during the 1980-1988 war with Iran, mainly with the MiG-23 “Flogger“ and Su-20 “Fitter“.

OFAB-250 Bomb

These weapons are follow-on designs to the popular OFAB-100, and likewise intended primarily for anti-personnel or anti-soft vehicle use. The Soviets classified them as “assault air bombs” suitable for use against any type of target. The OFAB-250-270 is 4’8” long with a diameter of 1’8” and weighs 587lbs, with a HE-Frag warhead of 208lbs. It is cleared for supersonic flight and can be dropped in an altitude band of 1640’ - 52,490’. The bomb is compatible with Warsaw Pact-standard lug pattern pylons, and it can also be carried internally by the Tu-22M “Backfire” bomber.

Both sets come in Eduard’s standard blister pack and the resin, while well packed to prevent movement, is still vulnerable to damage. The fins are very susceptible to damage due to their fine construction and proximity to the edge of the casting block. To prevent damage if the resin plug had a vertical wall at the end next to the fins then they may not be as susceptible to damage.

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That aside, be careful when you open the package that you do not lose the broken fins, which, due to the bombs construction should not present a problem to re attach. Both these bombs are very simple in their construction and will provide greater detail over kit plastic weapons. Both sets come with painting guides and what look to be Eduard’s own produced decals.

Simple construction with the extra detail of resin makes both sets highly recommended.

Highly recommended.

Thanks to Eduard for the samples.

Review Text Copyright © 2014 by Phil Parsons
Page Created 13 April, 2014
Last updated 13 April, 2014

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