What does ZAB mean in UNCLASSIFIED

ZAB stands for Zazhygatelnaya Aviatsionnaya Bomba, which is Russian for “aircraft bomb.”

A ZAB can be detonated by either an electronic or mechanical fuse. Electronic fuses are generally preferred due to their reduced risk of malfunctioning during flight.

A ZAB can be used in a variety of missions, ranging from offensive strikes to defensive operations. It may also be used as part of air-to-ground operations or interception tactics.

The range of a ZAB depends on its size and the launch vehicle or aircraft it is deployed from. For example, if dropped from high altitude with a parachute, larger bombs will have a much farther distance than smaller ones with no parachute assistance.

Pilots generally receive commands from the ground crew based on their current location and the target coordinates provided by the reconnaissance team's surveillance data. The pilot should then proceed to drop the bomb at the designated coordinates at an appropriate time interval and elevation.