British Explosive Ordnance
Introduction
General Purpose bombs are heavy-cased bombs ranging in weight from 40 pounds to 4000 pounds. The smaller bombs are used mainly as anti-personnel bombs, while the larger ones are used for general bombardment purposes.
The earlier marks of these bombs are fitted with central tubes to take the exploding components, but later marks are fitted with exploder containers at the nose end, or at the nose and tail ends. Bombs with central tubes or with exploder containers at each end may be fuzed at both ends, or at either end, depending on the operational requirements. Bombs fuzed at the nose only are fitted with instantaneous detonators, while bombs fuzed at the tail are usually fitted with delay detonators. If bombs are fuzed at both the nose and the tail with instantaneous detonators, the nose assembly will function first, on account of the direct action of the nose pistol. The general practice is to ship GP bombs with a tail pistol in place, but without detonators, altering the fuzing as may be desired prior to loading the bombs on the plane.
GP bombs are generally streamlined in shape, cast in one piece, and have a male base plate. To facilitate handling in storage and shipment, the bombs have a transit base of the same diameter as the maximum diameter of the bomb. Before using, bombs under 1,000 pounds are equipped with a tail unit that clips in place. Bombs of 1,000 pounds and over employ a tail unit which is secured by wing bolts.
TNT, Amatol, and RDX/TNT are the explosives commonly employed as main fillings to give a charge/weight ratio of approximately thirty percent.
GP bombs are painted dark green overall and have a 1/2 inch red band at the nose, and a 1 inch light green band on which the type of filling is stencilled.
GP 40lb, Stabilized, Mks I, II, III (Service), and Mk IV (Obsolete)
Overall length: 27.25 inches
Body length: 15.9 inches
Body diameter:
-Mk I: 5.01 inches
-Mk II and III: 5.05 inches
-Mk I: 5.01 inches
-Mk II and III: 5.05 inches
Wall thickness: 0.47 inches
Tail length: 11.4 inches
Tail width: 4.88 inches
Tail length: 11.4 inches
Tail width: 4.88 inches
Total weight: 38.5 pounds (Mk III)
Charge/Weight ratio: 17% (approximately)
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.29, 34, 38, or 45. Nose Fuze No. 873
Charge/Weight ratio: 17% (approximately)
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.29, 34, 38, or 45. Nose Fuze No. 873
Color and markings: Dark green overall
1/2 inch red band 1 inch from nose,
1 inch light green band 5 and 1/2 inches from nose
1/2 inch red band 1 inch from nose,
1 inch light green band 5 and 1/2 inches from nose
Body Construction: The bomb body is made of cast steel. The open nose end is threaded internally to receive an exploder container, which is screwed and cemented in position and locked by a set screw. The read end of the bomb is closed and reduced in diameter to form a spigot.
A boss on the spigot is drilled and tapped to receive the forward threaded end of a tail rod. The exploder container is in the form of a tube closed at one end, the open end of which is threaded internally to take the pistol.
Tail Construction: A cylindrical strut is attached to a tall cone by four fins. The tail unit is secured to the body by a tail rod which extends axially through the tail cone. The forward end of the rod, which screws into the central boss on the spigot at the rear of the bomb body, is locked by a spring washer and a lock nut. The rear end of tail cone is fitted with an internally threaded flanged adapter, which screws on the threaded rear end of tail rod, correctly location the tail cone on the bomb body. The tail is locked in position by a spring washer and lock nut screwed against the adapter.
Suspension:
-Mk I: Normally carried 6 in the 250lb Small Bomb Container, although a limited number have a single suspension lug.
-Mk II: Normally carried 6 in the 250lb Small Bomb Container; may be fitted with a suspension band.
-Mk III: Has a suspension lug, and may be carried 6 in the 250lb Small Bomb Container, or on Light Series bomb carriers.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: TNT (1 oz, 7 dr) and CE (4 oz, 6 dr) retained by a waxed felt washer.
Main Filling:
Mk I: 6.3lb Amatol 80/20
Mk II: 6.5lb TNT, or 6.7lb RDX/TNT 60/40
Mk III: 6.5lb Amatol 60/40, or 6.7lb of RDX/TNT 60.40
Remarks: This bomb is usually used as a fragmentation bomb, being almost identical to the 20lb fragmentation bomb except for size.
The exploder system of the Bomb Mk IV was changed to use only CE pellets, and a special retarder tail was incorporated.
A boss on the spigot is drilled and tapped to receive the forward threaded end of a tail rod. The exploder container is in the form of a tube closed at one end, the open end of which is threaded internally to take the pistol.
Tail Construction: A cylindrical strut is attached to a tall cone by four fins. The tail unit is secured to the body by a tail rod which extends axially through the tail cone. The forward end of the rod, which screws into the central boss on the spigot at the rear of the bomb body, is locked by a spring washer and a lock nut. The rear end of tail cone is fitted with an internally threaded flanged adapter, which screws on the threaded rear end of tail rod, correctly location the tail cone on the bomb body. The tail is locked in position by a spring washer and lock nut screwed against the adapter.
Suspension:
-Mk I: Normally carried 6 in the 250lb Small Bomb Container, although a limited number have a single suspension lug.
-Mk II: Normally carried 6 in the 250lb Small Bomb Container; may be fitted with a suspension band.
-Mk III: Has a suspension lug, and may be carried 6 in the 250lb Small Bomb Container, or on Light Series bomb carriers.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: TNT (1 oz, 7 dr) and CE (4 oz, 6 dr) retained by a waxed felt washer.
Main Filling:
Mk I: 6.3lb Amatol 80/20
Mk II: 6.5lb TNT, or 6.7lb RDX/TNT 60/40
Mk III: 6.5lb Amatol 60/40, or 6.7lb of RDX/TNT 60.40
Remarks: This bomb is usually used as a fragmentation bomb, being almost identical to the 20lb fragmentation bomb except for size.
The exploder system of the Bomb Mk IV was changed to use only CE pellets, and a special retarder tail was incorporated.
GP 40lb, Parachute, Mks I, II, and III (Service)
Same as previous entry except as follows:
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.33 Mk I
Body Construction: This bomb is of cast-steel body, the nose end of which is fitted with an exploder container screwed and cemented in position, and locked by a locking screw. The exploder container is threaded to take the pistol. The rear end of the bomb body is closed and reduced in diameter to form a spigot with a central boss, which is drilled and tapped to receive an eyebolt. The parachute tail unit is secured to the body by means of the eyebolt.
Tail Construction: The parachute tail unit consists of a cylindrical strut attached to the rear end of a tail tube by four fins. The parachute is packed in a fabric cylinder, which is closed at its rear end and fits inside the tail tube. The rear end of the fabric cylinder is connected by pilot lanyards to a flanged cover which fits loosely in the cylindrical strut and is retained in position to close the rear end of the tube by means of a wire transit clip.
Tail Construction: The parachute tail unit consists of a cylindrical strut attached to the rear end of a tail tube by four fins. The parachute is packed in a fabric cylinder, which is closed at its rear end and fits inside the tail tube. The rear end of the fabric cylinder is connected by pilot lanyards to a flanged cover which fits loosely in the cylindrical strut and is retained in position to close the rear end of the tube by means of a wire transit clip.
GP 250lb Mks I, II, and III (Service)
Overall length: 54.2 inches
Overall length: 54.2 inches
Body length: 28 inches
Body diameter: 10.8 inches
Body diameter: 10.8 inches
Wall thickness: 0.6 inches
Tail width: 10.2 inches
Tail width: 10.2 inches
Total weight: 247 pounds (TNT)
Charge/Weight ratio: 27%
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.19; Tail Pistol No. 22 or No. 17
Tail No: No. 1 Mk I (Mk III Only)
Charge/Weight ratio: 27%
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.19; Tail Pistol No. 22 or No. 17
Tail No: No. 1 Mk I (Mk III Only)
Color and markings: Yellow overall
1/2 inch red band around nose,
1 inch light green band around body;
longitudinal green bar on body and tail indicates explodering(?) scheme
1/2 inch red band around nose,
1 inch light green band around body;
longitudinal green bar on body and tail indicates explodering(?) scheme
Body Construction: This bomb body consists of a streamlined steel casting or forging threaded at the nose to take a nose adapter, which holds the central exploder tube. At the other end of the casting is a threaded base plug through which the exploder tube passes. Welded to the end of the casting is a streamlined section of thin metal, containing no explosive, but tapered to take the tail ring. The exploder also passes through this section.
Tail Construction: Four mild steel fins are fastened to a truncated cone, and are reinforced by a cylindrical strut. The cone fits over the rear section of the bomb body and is held to it by a lock nut over the exploder tube.
Suspension: A single suspension lug is secured to the body by four screws.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: TNT and CE pellets
Main Filling: 68lb TNT, or 63lb Amatol 80/20
Remarks: Tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used. This bomb, previously declared "Obsolete", has recently been returned to service use by the RAF.
Tail Construction: Four mild steel fins are fastened to a truncated cone, and are reinforced by a cylindrical strut. The cone fits over the rear section of the bomb body and is held to it by a lock nut over the exploder tube.
Suspension: A single suspension lug is secured to the body by four screws.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: TNT and CE pellets
Main Filling: 68lb TNT, or 63lb Amatol 80/20
Remarks: Tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used. This bomb, previously declared "Obsolete", has recently been returned to service use by the RAF.
GP 250lb Mks IV, V, and VI (Service)
Overall length: 66 inches
Overall length: 66 inches
Body length:
-Mk IV: 25.6 inches
-Mk V: 27.6 inches
Body diameter: 10.2 inches
-Mk IV: 25.6 inches
-Mk V: 27.6 inches
Body diameter: 10.2 inches
Wall thickness: 0.52 inches
Tail length: 27.7 inches
Tail width: 10.2 inches
Tail length: 27.7 inches
Tail width: 10.2 inches
Total weight: 230 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 29%
Fuzing:
-Mk IV: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, or 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, or 37
-Mk V: Tail Pistol No.17 (Long Delay) only
-Mk VI: See Remarks
Tail No: No.2 Mk II (early Mk IV uses No.2 Mk I)
Charge/Weight ratio: 29%
Fuzing:
-Mk IV: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, or 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, or 37
-Mk V: Tail Pistol No.17 (Long Delay) only
-Mk VI: See Remarks
Tail No: No.2 Mk II (early Mk IV uses No.2 Mk I)
Color and markings: Dark Green overall
1/4 inch red band 1 inch from nose,
1 inch light green band 6 inches from nose body;
1 inch by 1/4 inch white line on the body base indicates that bomb has been filled.
1/4 inch red band 1 inch from nose,
1 inch light green band 6 inches from nose body;
1 inch by 1/4 inch white line on the body base indicates that bomb has been filled.
Body Construction:
-Mk IV: The body consists of a hollow steel casting open at each end. The nose end is internally threaded to house the exploder container, which is locked in position by a locking screw. The tail end is shaped to take the tail cone, and is provided with four equally spaced supports, which locate the spring clips on the tail. A male base plate threads into the after end of the body and has two threaded holes to receive the transit base plate.
-Mk V: The Mk V Bomb is the same externally as the Mk IV, but is fitted with a central exploder tube instead of the exploder containers at the nose and tail. This bomb does not take a nose pistol, but uses only the No. 17 Long Delay Pistol. The nose opening is filled by a nose plug.
Tail Construction: The No. 2 Mk I Sheet-Metal Tail is attached to the body by four spring clips. The tail consists of a tail cone with a cylindrical tail strut attached to it by four fins. The spring clips are fitted to the base of the cone, which is slotted to engage the locating pin on the bomb body. At the apex of the tail cone is fitted a bush, locating one end of the arming spindle, which is supported at the opposite end by a diaphragm at the base of the tail cone. The inner end of the arming spindle has an arming fork attached to it which engages the arming fork of the tail pistol of the bomb.
Suspension: The bomb has a single suspension lug secured to it by four countersunk screws.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: TNT and CE
Main Filling: 67.75lb TNT or 67lb Amatol 60/40
Remarks: The Bomb Mk V was manufactured to use up existing stocks of the Pistol No. 17 (long delay), which is too long to fit in the Bomb Mk IV.
The No. 845 Anti-Disturbance Fuze, formerly incorporated in the nose when the Tail Pistol No.37 was used, is now obsolete.
The Bomb Mk VI is made in the US and uses fuzes manufactured there to British designs: Nose Fuze Mk VII, M3, and Tail Fuze Mk V, M1.
-Mk IV: The body consists of a hollow steel casting open at each end. The nose end is internally threaded to house the exploder container, which is locked in position by a locking screw. The tail end is shaped to take the tail cone, and is provided with four equally spaced supports, which locate the spring clips on the tail. A male base plate threads into the after end of the body and has two threaded holes to receive the transit base plate.
-Mk V: The Mk V Bomb is the same externally as the Mk IV, but is fitted with a central exploder tube instead of the exploder containers at the nose and tail. This bomb does not take a nose pistol, but uses only the No. 17 Long Delay Pistol. The nose opening is filled by a nose plug.
Tail Construction: The No. 2 Mk I Sheet-Metal Tail is attached to the body by four spring clips. The tail consists of a tail cone with a cylindrical tail strut attached to it by four fins. The spring clips are fitted to the base of the cone, which is slotted to engage the locating pin on the bomb body. At the apex of the tail cone is fitted a bush, locating one end of the arming spindle, which is supported at the opposite end by a diaphragm at the base of the tail cone. The inner end of the arming spindle has an arming fork attached to it which engages the arming fork of the tail pistol of the bomb.
Suspension: The bomb has a single suspension lug secured to it by four countersunk screws.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: TNT and CE
Main Filling: 67.75lb TNT or 67lb Amatol 60/40
Remarks: The Bomb Mk V was manufactured to use up existing stocks of the Pistol No. 17 (long delay), which is too long to fit in the Bomb Mk IV.
The No. 845 Anti-Disturbance Fuze, formerly incorporated in the nose when the Tail Pistol No.37 was used, is now obsolete.
The Bomb Mk VI is made in the US and uses fuzes manufactured there to British designs: Nose Fuze Mk VII, M3, and Tail Fuze Mk V, M1.
GP 500lb Mks IV, V, and VI (Service)
Overall length (w/ No.2 Tail): 70.6 inches
Overall length (w/ No.26 Tail): 55.6 inches
Overall length (w/ No.2 Tail): 70.6 inches
Overall length (w/ No.26 Tail): 55.6 inches
Body length:
-Mk IV: 37.2 inches
-Mk V: 36.4 inches
Body diameter: 12.9 inches
-Mk IV: 37.2 inches
-Mk V: 36.4 inches
Body diameter: 12.9 inches
Wall thickness: 0.72 inches
Tail length:
-No.2 Mk I: 33.4 inches
-No.26 Mk I: 20.4 inches
Tail width: 12.9 inches
Tail length:
-No.2 Mk I: 33.4 inches
-No.26 Mk I: 20.4 inches
Tail width: 12.9 inches
Total weight: 470 pounds (with No.2 Tail)
Charge/Weight ratio: 31% (approx.)
Fuzing:
-Mk IV: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, or 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, or 37
-Mk V: Tail Pistol No.17 (long delay) only
-Mk VI: See Remarks
Tail No: No.2 Mk I, or No.26 Mk I or II
Charge/Weight ratio: 31% (approx.)
Fuzing:
-Mk IV: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, or 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, or 37
-Mk V: Tail Pistol No.17 (long delay) only
-Mk VI: See Remarks
Tail No: No.2 Mk I, or No.26 Mk I or II
Color and markings: Dark Green overall
1/2 inch red band 1 inch from nose,
1 inch light green band 8 inches from nose;
1 inch by 1/5 inch white line on the body base indicates that bomb has been filled.
1/2 inch red band 1 inch from nose,
1 inch light green band 8 inches from nose;
1 inch by 1/5 inch white line on the body base indicates that bomb has been filled.
Body Construction:
-Mk IV: The body consists of a hollow steel casting open at each end. The nose end is internally threaded to house the exploder container, which is locked in position by a locking screw. The tail end is shaped to take the tail cone, and is provided with four equally spaced slots to locate the spring clips on the tail. A male base plate threads into the after end of the body and has two threaded holes to receive the transit base plate.
-Mk V: This bomb is externally the same as the Mk IV, but has a central exploder tube instead of the exploder pockets at either end. The fuzing is in the tail only, and the nose is closed by a nose plug which has a cross cut in the end, instead of a ring as in the Bomb Mk IV.
Tail Construction: The 500lb Tail No.2 Mk I differs from the 250lb Tail No.2 Mk I only in the weight and dimensions. The tail assembly consist of a tail cone with a cylindrical tail strut attached to it by four fins. It is attached to the bomb body by four spring clips.
The 500lb Tail Assembly No. 26 Mk I is similar to the 500lb Tail No. 2 Mk I, differing mainly in weight and dimensions. It is used on the 500lb GP Bombs Mk IV or Mk V when carried externally on high-speed fighter aircraft, or internally on fighter bombers of the Mosquito type. The tail and fins are shorter and it has a two-bladed arming vane instead of the four-bladed arming vane used on the Tail No.2 Mk I.
Suspension: The bomb has a single suspension lug slightly aft of center of gravity, and secured to it by four countersunk screws.
Explosive Components:
Exploders:
-Mk IV: TNT and CE
-Mk V: CE pellets and TNT in central exploder tube rather than exploder pocket at each end
Main Filling: 144.5lb of TNT or 143lb Amatol 60/40
Remarks: The Bomb Mk V was manufactured to use up existing stocks of the Pistol No. 17 (long delay), which are too long to fit in the Bomb Mk IV.
The No. 845 Anti-Disturbance Fuze, formerly incorporated in the nose when the Tail Pistol No.37 was used, is now obsolete.
Tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used.
The Bomb Mk VI is made in the US and uses fuzes manufactured there to British designs: Nose Fuze Mk VII, M3, and Tail Fuze Mk V, M1.
-Mk IV: The body consists of a hollow steel casting open at each end. The nose end is internally threaded to house the exploder container, which is locked in position by a locking screw. The tail end is shaped to take the tail cone, and is provided with four equally spaced slots to locate the spring clips on the tail. A male base plate threads into the after end of the body and has two threaded holes to receive the transit base plate.
-Mk V: This bomb is externally the same as the Mk IV, but has a central exploder tube instead of the exploder pockets at either end. The fuzing is in the tail only, and the nose is closed by a nose plug which has a cross cut in the end, instead of a ring as in the Bomb Mk IV.
Tail Construction: The 500lb Tail No.2 Mk I differs from the 250lb Tail No.2 Mk I only in the weight and dimensions. The tail assembly consist of a tail cone with a cylindrical tail strut attached to it by four fins. It is attached to the bomb body by four spring clips.
The 500lb Tail Assembly No. 26 Mk I is similar to the 500lb Tail No. 2 Mk I, differing mainly in weight and dimensions. It is used on the 500lb GP Bombs Mk IV or Mk V when carried externally on high-speed fighter aircraft, or internally on fighter bombers of the Mosquito type. The tail and fins are shorter and it has a two-bladed arming vane instead of the four-bladed arming vane used on the Tail No.2 Mk I.
Suspension: The bomb has a single suspension lug slightly aft of center of gravity, and secured to it by four countersunk screws.
Explosive Components:
Exploders:
-Mk IV: TNT and CE
-Mk V: CE pellets and TNT in central exploder tube rather than exploder pocket at each end
Main Filling: 144.5lb of TNT or 143lb Amatol 60/40
Remarks: The Bomb Mk V was manufactured to use up existing stocks of the Pistol No. 17 (long delay), which are too long to fit in the Bomb Mk IV.
The No. 845 Anti-Disturbance Fuze, formerly incorporated in the nose when the Tail Pistol No.37 was used, is now obsolete.
Tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used.
The Bomb Mk VI is made in the US and uses fuzes manufactured there to British designs: Nose Fuze Mk VII, M3, and Tail Fuze Mk V, M1.
GP 1,000lb Mks I - IV (Service)
Overall length (w/ No.13 Mk I Tail): 86.5 inches
Overall length (w/ No.29 Mk I Tail): 71 inches
Overall length (w/ No.13 Mk I Tail): 86.5 inches
Overall length (w/ No.29 Mk I Tail): 71 inches
Body length: 52.5 inches
Body diameter: 16.15 inches
Wall thickness: 0.77 inches
Tail length:
-No.13 Mk I: 35.5 inches
-No.29 Mk I: 20 inches
Tail width: 16 inches
Tail length:
-No.13 Mk I: 35.5 inches
-No.29 Mk I: 20 inches
Tail width: 16 inches
Total weight: 1,072 pounds (with short tail and Amatol-filled)
Charge/Weight ratio: 33%
Fuzing:
-Mks I and II: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, or 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, 37
-Mks III and Mk IV: Tail Pistol No.28, 30, 37
Tail No: No.13 Mk I, or No.29 Mk I
Charge/Weight ratio: 33%
Fuzing:
-Mks I and II: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, or 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, 37
-Mks III and Mk IV: Tail Pistol No.28, 30, 37
Tail No: No.13 Mk I, or No.29 Mk I
Color and markings: Dark Green overall
1/4 inch red band 2 inches from nose,
2 inch light green band 9 and 1/2 inches from nose
1/4 inch red band 2 inches from nose,
2 inch light green band 9 and 1/2 inches from nose
Body Construction:
-Mk I: The bomb consists of a hollow steel casting open at each end, with the nose end internally threaded to house a nose bush, which is screwed and cemented in position. The bush is bored and threaded for part of its length to take an exploder container which is screwed and cemented in position. The exploder container is threaded internally in the open end to house a detonator holder, which is also cemented in position and locked with a locking screw. The detonator holder is threaded internally in the open end to take a pistol or a transit plug. The after end of the bomb body is shaped externally to take a tail, and is provided with a locating pin to locate the tail when in position on the bomb. A male base plate screws into the tail end of the body and is cemented in position. The filling plug is bored and threaded internally to receive an exploder container, which houses the detonator holder and is inserted and locked in the same manner as the one used in the nose of the bomb.
-Mk II: Similar to the Mk I, except that the spigot on the tail end of the bomb body for locating the transit base and the seating on the bomb body for the suspension lug, are omitted.
-Mk III: Similar to Mk I, except that the exploder container and detonator holder are not fitted; the nose being plugged with a special adapter and transit plug which are welded in position.
-Mk IV: Similar to Mk II body, except that the nose is permanently plugged in a manner similar to the Mk III.
Tail Construction: The No.2 13 Mk I tail assembly consists of a tail cone, a cylindrical strut attached to the cone by four corrugate fins, and an arming mechanism for arming the tail pistol. A tail ring near the base of the tail cone is drilled to house four wing bolts used for attaching the tail to the bomb body. The arming mechanism consists of an arming spindle, one end of which is attached to the fork that engages the arming fork of the tail pistol.
-No.29 Mk I: Similar to the No. 13 Mk I, differing only in dimensions by having a shorter tail strut and fins. The fins are not corrugated. Arming vanes protrude beyond the cylindrical strut.
Suspension: The bomb has a single suspension lug 30 inches from nose plug tip, consisting of a rectangular stop plate to which is welded a lug. The plate is secured to the bomb body by two screws.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: TNT and CE, with a wax-filled washer between the CE and the detonator holder.
Main Filling: 357lb Amatol 60/40 or 368lb RDX/TNT 60.40. Each end of the bomb has the same sealing arrangement as the 1,900lb GP Bomb.
Remarks: The Mks I and II may be fuzed nose or tail, or both. Mks III and IV are fuzed in the tail only. The Anti-Disturbance Fuze No. 845 formerly incorporated in the nose when the Tail Pistol No.37 was used, is now obsolete.
The tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used.
-Mk I: The bomb consists of a hollow steel casting open at each end, with the nose end internally threaded to house a nose bush, which is screwed and cemented in position. The bush is bored and threaded for part of its length to take an exploder container which is screwed and cemented in position. The exploder container is threaded internally in the open end to house a detonator holder, which is also cemented in position and locked with a locking screw. The detonator holder is threaded internally in the open end to take a pistol or a transit plug. The after end of the bomb body is shaped externally to take a tail, and is provided with a locating pin to locate the tail when in position on the bomb. A male base plate screws into the tail end of the body and is cemented in position. The filling plug is bored and threaded internally to receive an exploder container, which houses the detonator holder and is inserted and locked in the same manner as the one used in the nose of the bomb.
-Mk II: Similar to the Mk I, except that the spigot on the tail end of the bomb body for locating the transit base and the seating on the bomb body for the suspension lug, are omitted.
-Mk III: Similar to Mk I, except that the exploder container and detonator holder are not fitted; the nose being plugged with a special adapter and transit plug which are welded in position.
-Mk IV: Similar to Mk II body, except that the nose is permanently plugged in a manner similar to the Mk III.
Tail Construction: The No.2 13 Mk I tail assembly consists of a tail cone, a cylindrical strut attached to the cone by four corrugate fins, and an arming mechanism for arming the tail pistol. A tail ring near the base of the tail cone is drilled to house four wing bolts used for attaching the tail to the bomb body. The arming mechanism consists of an arming spindle, one end of which is attached to the fork that engages the arming fork of the tail pistol.
-No.29 Mk I: Similar to the No. 13 Mk I, differing only in dimensions by having a shorter tail strut and fins. The fins are not corrugated. Arming vanes protrude beyond the cylindrical strut.
Suspension: The bomb has a single suspension lug 30 inches from nose plug tip, consisting of a rectangular stop plate to which is welded a lug. The plate is secured to the bomb body by two screws.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: TNT and CE, with a wax-filled washer between the CE and the detonator holder.
Main Filling: 357lb Amatol 60/40 or 368lb RDX/TNT 60.40. Each end of the bomb has the same sealing arrangement as the 1,900lb GP Bomb.
Remarks: The Mks I and II may be fuzed nose or tail, or both. Mks III and IV are fuzed in the tail only. The Anti-Disturbance Fuze No. 845 formerly incorporated in the nose when the Tail Pistol No.37 was used, is now obsolete.
The tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used.
GP 1,900lb Mks I and II (Service)
Overall length: 98 inches
Overall length: 98 inches
Body length: 63.2 inches
Body diameter: 18.7 inches
Wall thickness: 1.15 inches
Tail length: 35.3 inches
Tail width: 18.7 inches
Tail length: 35.3 inches
Tail width: 18.7 inches
Total weight: 1,785
Charge/Weight ratio: 26%
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, or 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, 37
Tail No: No.14 Mk I
Charge/Weight ratio: 26%
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, or 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, 37
Tail No: No.14 Mk I
Color and markings: Dark Green overall
1/4 inch red band 2 inches from nose,
2 inch light green band 11 and 1/4 inches from nose
1/4 inch red band 2 inches from nose,
2 inch light green band 11 and 1/4 inches from nose
Body Construction:
-Mk I: The body consists of a hollow steel casting open at each end, with the nose end threaded internally to house a nose bush, which is screwed and cemented in position. The bus is bored centrally and threaded for part of its length to take an exploder container. The exploder container is locked to the nose bush by a locking screw, and is threaded internally at the open end to house a detonator holder, which takes a pistol or transit plug. The after end of the bomb body is shaped externally to take the tail, and provided with a locating pin to locate the tail when in position on the bomb. A male base plate screws into the base of the body and is cemented in position. It is bored and threaded internally to receive an exploder container, which houses a detonator holder in the same manner as that at the nose. A flat seating at the center of gravity is drilled and tapped to take four screws which secure a suspension lug.
-Mk II: Similar to Mk I, except that the spigot on the tail end of the body for locating the transit base, and the seating on the bomb body for the suspension lug, are omitted.
Tail Construction: The No.14 Mk I tail assembly consists of a tail cone, a cylindrical strut attached to the cone by four fins, and an arming mechanism for arming the tail pistol. The tail cone is secured to the body by a tail ring, which houses four wing bolts used to attach the tail to the body. Attached to the tail cone at the rear of the tail ring, is a spider in the form of a cross that support the forked end of the arming mechanism. The rear of the tail cone is closed by a bush, which supports the arming vane end of the arming mechanism. The arming spindle has a fork in the tail pistol, and an arming vane on the other end which is secured by a nut and washer. The arming vane and spindle are prevented from rotating during transit by a safety clip.
Suspension: The bomb uses single suspension in the form of a stop plate with an integral lug. The plate has four holes for the securing screws in attaching to the bomb body.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: TNT and CE
Main Filling: 470lb Amatol 60/40, sealed at the nose and with a pad of approved composition, and a 1/4 inch layer of TNT into which is pressed a felt washer. The t ail end is sealed with a 3/16 inch layer of TNT, a pad, and a glazeboard washer. The exploder containers are protected from the filling by paper tubes.
Remarks: The Anti-Disturbance Fuze No.845, formerly incorporated in the nose when the Tail Pistol No.37 was used, is now obsolete.
The tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used.
-Mk I: The body consists of a hollow steel casting open at each end, with the nose end threaded internally to house a nose bush, which is screwed and cemented in position. The bus is bored centrally and threaded for part of its length to take an exploder container. The exploder container is locked to the nose bush by a locking screw, and is threaded internally at the open end to house a detonator holder, which takes a pistol or transit plug. The after end of the bomb body is shaped externally to take the tail, and provided with a locating pin to locate the tail when in position on the bomb. A male base plate screws into the base of the body and is cemented in position. It is bored and threaded internally to receive an exploder container, which houses a detonator holder in the same manner as that at the nose. A flat seating at the center of gravity is drilled and tapped to take four screws which secure a suspension lug.
-Mk II: Similar to Mk I, except that the spigot on the tail end of the body for locating the transit base, and the seating on the bomb body for the suspension lug, are omitted.
Tail Construction: The No.14 Mk I tail assembly consists of a tail cone, a cylindrical strut attached to the cone by four fins, and an arming mechanism for arming the tail pistol. The tail cone is secured to the body by a tail ring, which houses four wing bolts used to attach the tail to the body. Attached to the tail cone at the rear of the tail ring, is a spider in the form of a cross that support the forked end of the arming mechanism. The rear of the tail cone is closed by a bush, which supports the arming vane end of the arming mechanism. The arming spindle has a fork in the tail pistol, and an arming vane on the other end which is secured by a nut and washer. The arming vane and spindle are prevented from rotating during transit by a safety clip.
Suspension: The bomb uses single suspension in the form of a stop plate with an integral lug. The plate has four holes for the securing screws in attaching to the bomb body.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: TNT and CE
Main Filling: 470lb Amatol 60/40, sealed at the nose and with a pad of approved composition, and a 1/4 inch layer of TNT into which is pressed a felt washer. The t ail end is sealed with a 3/16 inch layer of TNT, a pad, and a glazeboard washer. The exploder containers are protected from the filling by paper tubes.
Remarks: The Anti-Disturbance Fuze No.845, formerly incorporated in the nose when the Tail Pistol No.37 was used, is now obsolete.
The tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used.
GP 4,000lb Mks I and II (Service)
Overall length: 106.5 inches
Overall length: 106.5 inches
Body length: 79.3 inches
Body diameter: 24.5 inches
Wall thickness: 1.35 inches
Tail length: 23.5 inches
Tail length: 23.5 inches
Total weight: 3,587
Charge/Weight ratio: 30%
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, or 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, 37
Tail No: No.34 Mk I
Charge/Weight ratio: 30%
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, or 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, 37
Tail No: No.34 Mk I
Color and markings: Dark Green overall
1/2 inch red band around nose,
2 inch light green band around maximum diameter
1/2 inch red band around nose,
2 inch light green band around maximum diameter
Body Construction:
-Mk I: Similar to the Mk II, with the exception of two side fuze pockets near the rear end of body, afforded by two adapters welded into the body and fitted with exploder containers which extend inward at a 45 degree angle to the axis of the bomb.
-Mk II: The body consists of a hollow steel casting open at each end, with six strengthening beams welded inside the nose end. The nose bush is screwed and welded into the nose , and a male base plate is screwed into the base. Exploder containers are threaded into the nose bush and the base plate, and arte secured in place by locking screws. The rear end of the body is shaped to receive the tail assembly. The rear face of the body has two sets of four threaded holes for the wing bolts of the tail assembly, or the transit base.
Tail Construction: The tail assembly consists of a cylindrical strut supported by four fins from the tail cone, and an arming mechanism for the tail pistol. The forward end of the arming spindle has a fork which engages another fork of the tail pistol. The rear end is fitted with a four-bladed arming vane. The arming vanes protrude beyond the cylindrical strut.
Suspension: The bomb body has three sets of tapped holes for the securing screws of a central suspension lug, and the fore and aft hoisting brackets. The suspension lug is secured by four bolts at the center of gravity.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: TNT and CE
Main Filling: 1,070lb Amatol 60/40 or 1,018lb of Amatex 51/40/9. The filling is sealed nose and tail with an approved composition.
Remarks: The Anti-Disturbance Fuze No.845, formerly incorporated in the nose when the Tail Pistol No. 37 was used, is now obsolete.
Tail fins are usually painted red when time pistol is used.
-Mk I: Similar to the Mk II, with the exception of two side fuze pockets near the rear end of body, afforded by two adapters welded into the body and fitted with exploder containers which extend inward at a 45 degree angle to the axis of the bomb.
-Mk II: The body consists of a hollow steel casting open at each end, with six strengthening beams welded inside the nose end. The nose bush is screwed and welded into the nose , and a male base plate is screwed into the base. Exploder containers are threaded into the nose bush and the base plate, and arte secured in place by locking screws. The rear end of the body is shaped to receive the tail assembly. The rear face of the body has two sets of four threaded holes for the wing bolts of the tail assembly, or the transit base.
Tail Construction: The tail assembly consists of a cylindrical strut supported by four fins from the tail cone, and an arming mechanism for the tail pistol. The forward end of the arming spindle has a fork which engages another fork of the tail pistol. The rear end is fitted with a four-bladed arming vane. The arming vanes protrude beyond the cylindrical strut.
Suspension: The bomb body has three sets of tapped holes for the securing screws of a central suspension lug, and the fore and aft hoisting brackets. The suspension lug is secured by four bolts at the center of gravity.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: TNT and CE
Main Filling: 1,070lb Amatol 60/40 or 1,018lb of Amatex 51/40/9. The filling is sealed nose and tail with an approved composition.
Remarks: The Anti-Disturbance Fuze No.845, formerly incorporated in the nose when the Tail Pistol No. 37 was used, is now obsolete.
Tail fins are usually painted red when time pistol is used.
Next Time: Medium and High Capacity Bombs
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