How are high-explosive bombs classified?

High-explosive bombs are classified primarily by their kill mechanism or designed use. This classification system is important because it determines how the bomb is intended to function and the kind of damage it is designed to inflict upon detonation. For example, bombs can be designed for air bursts, ground penetration, or to create blast effects, and this functionality directly relates to their intended operational purpose in combat scenarios.

Understanding the classification based on kill mechanisms allows military planners and munitions systems specialists to choose the appropriate weapon for a given target or mission objective, maximizing effectiveness while minimizing collateral damage. While considerations like weight, size, material composition, and delivery systems are important, they do not define the primary purpose of the bomb in a combat situation, making the kill mechanism or intended use the most relevant criteria for classification.