British Explosive Ordnance
Medium Capacity Bombs Introduction
These bombs are designed for general operational use as alternatives to the corresponding GO bombs. They are comparable to the US GP series, with a loading factor of approximately 50%, parallel sides, and ogival noses.
They may be fuzed at the nose and tail, or at the nose or tail only, if so desired. When shipped, they are plugged at the nose and fitted with a Tail Pistol No.28 or No.30 (without detonators), the pistol acting as a tail transit plug.
These bombs are painted dark green overall, with a red band around the bomb body near the nose denoting that the bomb has been filled, and a light green band around the nose end indicating its HE nature. The type of filling is stencilled around the bomb body, as is the monogram of the filling station, date of filling, etc. These bombs are supplied fitted with transit bases, and the larger bombs have transit rings in addition to the bases.
MC 250lb, Mks I and II (Service)
Overall length: 55.5 inches
Body length: 27.5 inches
Body diameter: 10 inches
Wall thickness: 0.3 inches
Tail length: 27 inches (approx.)
Tail width: 10 inches
Tail length: 27 inches (approx.)
Tail width: 10 inches
Total weight: 225 pounds (approx)
Charge/Weight ratio: 50% (approx)
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, or 37
Tail No: No.2 Mks I or II
Charge/Weight ratio: 50% (approx)
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, or 37
Tail No: No.2 Mks I or II
Color and markings: Dark green overall
1/2 inch red band around nose,
1 inch light green band around base of ogive
1/2 inch red band around nose,
1 inch light green band around base of ogive
Body Construction: The bomb has a solid drawn or rolled steel body. The exploder containers screw into the nose and male base plates. This bomb has parallel sides, with an ogival nose and a slight rear taper, similar to the construction of US General Purpose Bombs.
Tail Construction: The tail consists of a cylindrical tail strut secured to the tail cone by four fins. The tail assembly is secured to the bomb body by four spring clips, which engage slots in the tail end of the body. A reach rod through the tail cone, having arming vanes attached to the after end, engages the arming fork in the tail pistol.
Suspension: The Bomb Mk I has a single suspension lug welded to the bomb body. The Bomb Mk II has dual lugs welded to its case for suspension from US aircraft, in addition to a single lug.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: CE pellets
Filling: Amatol or Pentolite
Remarks: This bomb is supplied with a Tail Pistol No.28 or 30, and may or may not be fuzed in the nose.
The Anti-Disturbance Fuze No.845, formerly incorporated in the nose of bombs fuzed with the Tail Pistol No.37, is obsolete.
Tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used.
Tail Construction: The tail consists of a cylindrical tail strut secured to the tail cone by four fins. The tail assembly is secured to the bomb body by four spring clips, which engage slots in the tail end of the body. A reach rod through the tail cone, having arming vanes attached to the after end, engages the arming fork in the tail pistol.
Suspension: The Bomb Mk I has a single suspension lug welded to the bomb body. The Bomb Mk II has dual lugs welded to its case for suspension from US aircraft, in addition to a single lug.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: CE pellets
Filling: Amatol or Pentolite
Remarks: This bomb is supplied with a Tail Pistol No.28 or 30, and may or may not be fuzed in the nose.
The Anti-Disturbance Fuze No.845, formerly incorporated in the nose of bombs fuzed with the Tail Pistol No.37, is obsolete.
Tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used.
MC 500lb Mks I-V (Obsolescent), and Mks VI-XII (Service)
Overall length (w/ long tail): 70.6 inches
Overall length (w/ short tail): 57.8 inches
Overall length (w/ short tail): 57.8 inches
Body length: 41 inches
Body diameter: 12.9 inches
Wall thickness:
Mks I, II, VI, VII: 0.3 inches
Mks III, IV, V, VIIII-XII: 0.42 inches
Tail length:
No.25 Mks I, II: 28 inches
No.28 Mks I, II: 14 inches
Tail width: 12.9 inches
Mks I, II, VI, VII: 0.3 inches
Mks III, IV, V, VIIII-XII: 0.42 inches
Tail length:
No.25 Mks I, II: 28 inches
No.28 Mks I, II: 14 inches
Tail width: 12.9 inches
Total weight: 499lb Amatol filled (Mk VIII with short tail)
Charge/Weight ratio: 50%
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, or 37
Tail No: No.2 Mk I; No.25 Mks I or II; No.26 Mk I; or No.28 Mk I
Charge/Weight ratio: 50%
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, or 37
Tail No: No.2 Mk I; No.25 Mks I or II; No.26 Mk I; or No.28 Mk I
Color and markings: Dark green overall
1/2 inch red band around nose,
1 inch light green band around base of ogive
1/2 inch red band around nose,
1 inch light green band around base of ogive
Body Construction: The bomb has parallel sides, with an ogival nose and a slight rear taper, similar in construction to US General Purpose bombs.
With the exceptions as given below, exploder containers screw into the nose and base plate.
Mk I: Fabricated, rolled steel sheet, welded, with nose and tail welded on.
Mk II: Drawn tube, nose formed by "bottling" process, tail welded on.
Mk III: Cast
Mk IV: Cast to 500lb GP dimensions
Mk V: Same as Mk III but center of gravity was off so all were declared obsolescent immediately. Only used with long tail unit.
Mks VI, VII, VIII, and IX are the same as Mks I, II, III, IV, respectively, with American dual suspension lugs added.
Mk X: Forged body, solid nose, fuzed only in tail.
Mk XI: Mk VII with a solid nose.
Mk XII: Mk VII with improved welds at the after end, and fuzed both nose and tail.
Tail Construction: The Tails No.25 and No.28 are similar in construction, each consisting of a cylindrical strut attached to a tail cone by four fins. The tail assembly is secured to the body by four spring clips which engage slots in the tail end of the body. Turnbuckle fittings are provided for two of the springs as a locking device. A reach rod running through the tail cone engages the arming fork of the pistol, and carries the arming vanes at its after end. The arming vanes protrude beyond the cylindrical strut and the fins on the short-type Tail Unit No.28.
Suspension: Mks I-V of this bomb have a single suspension lug welded to the body, while Mks VI-XII have dual lugs for suspension from US aircraft welded on in addition to a single lug.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: CE pellets
Filling: (Mk VIII) 210lb Amatol 50/50 or 60/40; 226lb Amatex 51/40/9; 222lb RDX/TNT 60/40; or 232lb Torpex 2.
Remarks: These bombs are supplied with a Tail Pistol No.28 or No.30, and may or may not be fuzed at the nose.
The short-type tail unit, such as the No.28 Mk I, is used when the bombs are dropped from fighter-bomber aircraft.
The Anti-Disturbance Fuze No.845, formerly incorporated in the nose of bombs fuzed with the Tail Pistol No.37, is now obsolete.
Tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used.
With the exceptions as given below, exploder containers screw into the nose and base plate.
Mk I: Fabricated, rolled steel sheet, welded, with nose and tail welded on.
Mk II: Drawn tube, nose formed by "bottling" process, tail welded on.
Mk III: Cast
Mk IV: Cast to 500lb GP dimensions
Mk V: Same as Mk III but center of gravity was off so all were declared obsolescent immediately. Only used with long tail unit.
Mks VI, VII, VIII, and IX are the same as Mks I, II, III, IV, respectively, with American dual suspension lugs added.
Mk X: Forged body, solid nose, fuzed only in tail.
Mk XI: Mk VII with a solid nose.
Mk XII: Mk VII with improved welds at the after end, and fuzed both nose and tail.
Tail Construction: The Tails No.25 and No.28 are similar in construction, each consisting of a cylindrical strut attached to a tail cone by four fins. The tail assembly is secured to the body by four spring clips which engage slots in the tail end of the body. Turnbuckle fittings are provided for two of the springs as a locking device. A reach rod running through the tail cone engages the arming fork of the pistol, and carries the arming vanes at its after end. The arming vanes protrude beyond the cylindrical strut and the fins on the short-type Tail Unit No.28.
Suspension: Mks I-V of this bomb have a single suspension lug welded to the body, while Mks VI-XII have dual lugs for suspension from US aircraft welded on in addition to a single lug.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: CE pellets
Filling: (Mk VIII) 210lb Amatol 50/50 or 60/40; 226lb Amatex 51/40/9; 222lb RDX/TNT 60/40; or 232lb Torpex 2.
Remarks: These bombs are supplied with a Tail Pistol No.28 or No.30, and may or may not be fuzed at the nose.
The short-type tail unit, such as the No.28 Mk I, is used when the bombs are dropped from fighter-bomber aircraft.
The Anti-Disturbance Fuze No.845, formerly incorporated in the nose of bombs fuzed with the Tail Pistol No.37, is now obsolete.
Tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used.
MC 1000lb Mks I and II (Service)
Overall length: 72.5 inches
Body length: 52.5 inches
Body diameter: 17.75 inches
Wall thickness: 0.48 inches
Wall thickness: 0.48 inches
Tail length: 20 inches
Tail width: 17.5 inches
Tail width: 17.5 inches
Total weight: 1021lb Amatol filled
Charge/Weight ratio: 47%
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, or 37
Tail No: No.38 Mk I
Charge/Weight ratio: 47%
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, or 37
Tail No: No.38 Mk I
Color and markings: Dark green overall
Red band around nose,
Light green band around base of ogive
Red band around nose,
Light green band around base of ogive
Body Construction: The bomb body is a hollow steel casting having parallel sides, an ogival nose, and a slight taper at the after end. The exploder containers thread into the nose and male base plate. This bomb is similar in appearance to US General Purpose Bombs.
Tail Construction: The tail assembly consists of a cylindrical strut attached to the tail cone by four sheet-metal fins. A reach rod with arming vanes on the after end extends through the tail cone and engages an arming fork in the tail pistol. The tail is secured to the body by four wing bolts and retained in the tail ring by split pins. The arming vanes protrude beyond the cylindrical strut.
Suspension: The Bomb Mk I has a single suspension lug at the center of gravity attached to two stop plates, and dual "U" bolt suspension lugs, 180 degrees removed from the single lug, for carrying in US bomb racks. Both sets of lugs are welded onto the body. The Bomb Mk II has a strengthened form of US lug for dive bombers.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: CE pellets
Filling: 475lb Amatol 50/50 or 60/40, or Amatex 9; 500lb of RDX/TNT; or 525lb Torpex 2.
Remarks: This bomb is supplied with a Tail Pistol No.28 or No.30 in position, and may or may not be fuzed in the nose.
The Anti-Disturbance Fuze No.845, formerly incorporated in the nose of bombs fuzed with the Tail Pistol No.37, is now obsolete.
Tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used.
Tail Construction: The tail assembly consists of a cylindrical strut attached to the tail cone by four sheet-metal fins. A reach rod with arming vanes on the after end extends through the tail cone and engages an arming fork in the tail pistol. The tail is secured to the body by four wing bolts and retained in the tail ring by split pins. The arming vanes protrude beyond the cylindrical strut.
Suspension: The Bomb Mk I has a single suspension lug at the center of gravity attached to two stop plates, and dual "U" bolt suspension lugs, 180 degrees removed from the single lug, for carrying in US bomb racks. Both sets of lugs are welded onto the body. The Bomb Mk II has a strengthened form of US lug for dive bombers.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: CE pellets
Filling: 475lb Amatol 50/50 or 60/40, or Amatex 9; 500lb of RDX/TNT; or 525lb Torpex 2.
Remarks: This bomb is supplied with a Tail Pistol No.28 or No.30 in position, and may or may not be fuzed in the nose.
The Anti-Disturbance Fuze No.845, formerly incorporated in the nose of bombs fuzed with the Tail Pistol No.37, is now obsolete.
Tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used.
MC 4000lb Mks I and II (Service)
Overall length: 109.5 inches
Body length: 74.5 inches
Body diameter: 30 inches
Wall thickness: 0.75 inches
Wall thickness: 0.75 inches
Tail length: 33 inches
Tail width: 30 inches
Tail width: 30 inches
Total weight: 3764lb Amatol filled
Charge/Weight ratio: 58%
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, or 37
Tail No: No.38 Mk I
Charge/Weight ratio: 58%
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, 44; Tail Pistol No.28, 30, or 37
Tail No: No.38 Mk I
Color and markings: Dark green overall
Red band around nose,
Light green band around base of ogive
Red band around nose,
Light green band around base of ogive
Body Construction: In the Bomb Mk I the exploder containers screw into the nose and make base plate. The body has parallel sides, an ogival nose, and a slight taper at the body base. It is similar in appearance to US General Purpose Bombs. The Bomb Mk II has a strengthened after end due to better welding.
Tail Construction: The bomb employs a short-type tail unit, consisting of cylindrical strut attached to a tail cone by four fins. A reach rod, having arming vanes at its rear, extends through the tail cone and engages the arming fork of the tail pistol.
Suspension: The bomb has a single lug 44 inches from the nose fuze tip, for regular suspension, and dual lugs 30 inches apart diametrically opposite the single lug for suspension from US aircraft.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: CE pellets
Filling: 2166lb Amatol 60/40; 2195lb Amatex 9; or 2265lb RDX/TNT 60/40.
Remarks: The Anti-Disturbance Fuze No.845, formerly incorporated in the nose of bombs fuzed with the Tail Pistol No.37, is now obsolete.
Tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used.
Tail Construction: The bomb employs a short-type tail unit, consisting of cylindrical strut attached to a tail cone by four fins. A reach rod, having arming vanes at its rear, extends through the tail cone and engages the arming fork of the tail pistol.
Suspension: The bomb has a single lug 44 inches from the nose fuze tip, for regular suspension, and dual lugs 30 inches apart diametrically opposite the single lug for suspension from US aircraft.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: CE pellets
Filling: 2166lb Amatol 60/40; 2195lb Amatex 9; or 2265lb RDX/TNT 60/40.
Remarks: The Anti-Disturbance Fuze No.845, formerly incorporated in the nose of bombs fuzed with the Tail Pistol No.37, is now obsolete.
Tail fins are usually painted red when a time pistol is used.
High Capacity Bombs Introduction
These bombs are thin-walled and have a high charge/weight ratio. They are used for general bombardment purposes on operations where maximum blast damage is required. At the present time this series includes bombs of 2000, 4000, 8000, and 12000 pounds.
The earlier marks of these bombs are provided with side fuzing positions, which are used for special operations; the bombs normally being fuzed in the nose only. The later marks of the 2000, and 4000 pound bombs, and all of the 8000 and 12000 pound bombs of the series, have three nose-fuze pockets, all of which generally are used.
Central exploder tubes are at present fitted in all types of HC bombs, and where side fuzing positions or nose fuzing positions offset from the longitudinal axis of the bomb are used, auxiliary exploder tubes connect the fuzing positions to the central tube.
These bombs are characterized by dome-shaped noses and parallel sides, and may be fitted with nose attachments to retard the bomb in flight. Drum-type tails are generally used, although the 2000 pound bomb may be fitted with a parachute attachment, and the 12000 pound bombs sometimes incorporate the normal GP type tail assembly, ie tail cone, cylindrical strut, and four fins.
The body is usually welded together and the tail bolted on. The 8000 and 12000 pound bombs consist of two and three body sections, respectively, bolted together.
HC bombs are supplied uncrated, and are fitted with transit rings. All fuzing positions are plugged with transit plugs. Tails, nose attachments, and parachute attachments are supplied in separate packages.
HC 2,000lb Mks II and III (Service)
Overall length: 131 inches
These bombs are thin-walled and have a high charge/weight ratio. They are used for general bombardment purposes on operations where maximum blast damage is required. At the present time this series includes bombs of 2000, 4000, 8000, and 12000 pounds.
The earlier marks of these bombs are provided with side fuzing positions, which are used for special operations; the bombs normally being fuzed in the nose only. The later marks of the 2000, and 4000 pound bombs, and all of the 8000 and 12000 pound bombs of the series, have three nose-fuze pockets, all of which generally are used.
Central exploder tubes are at present fitted in all types of HC bombs, and where side fuzing positions or nose fuzing positions offset from the longitudinal axis of the bomb are used, auxiliary exploder tubes connect the fuzing positions to the central tube.
These bombs are characterized by dome-shaped noses and parallel sides, and may be fitted with nose attachments to retard the bomb in flight. Drum-type tails are generally used, although the 2000 pound bomb may be fitted with a parachute attachment, and the 12000 pound bombs sometimes incorporate the normal GP type tail assembly, ie tail cone, cylindrical strut, and four fins.
The body is usually welded together and the tail bolted on. The 8000 and 12000 pound bombs consist of two and three body sections, respectively, bolted together.
HC bombs are supplied uncrated, and are fitted with transit rings. All fuzing positions are plugged with transit plugs. Tails, nose attachments, and parachute attachments are supplied in separate packages.
HC 2,000lb Mks II and III (Service)
Overall length: 131 inches
Body length: 89 inches
Body diameter: 18.5 inches
Wall thickness: 0.19 inches
Tail length: 40 inches
Tail width: 17.9 inches
Tail length: 40 inches
Tail width: 17.9 inches
Total weight: 1,723 pounds, Amatol-filled
Charge/Weight ratio: 71%
Fuzing: Mk III - Three nose pistols, No.27,42, or 44
Mk II - Three nose fuze cavities present but only the center one can be used, with one of the above fuzes.
Tail No: No.39 Mk I
Charge/Weight ratio: 71%
Fuzing: Mk III - Three nose pistols, No.27,42, or 44
Mk II - Three nose fuze cavities present but only the center one can be used, with one of the above fuzes.
Tail No: No.39 Mk I
Color and markings: Dark Green overall
1/2 inch red band 6 inches from front cylindrical shell,
2 inch light green band 16 inches from edge
1/2 inch red band 6 inches from front cylindrical shell,
2 inch light green band 16 inches from edge
Body Construction: The body is a steel fabricated cylinder with a dome-shaped nose and parallel sides, and is closed by a flat plate bolted to a flange within the after end. The base flange is fitted with locating pins for the tail, and the holes to receive the tail securing bolts are drilled through it.
A central tube is cemented to the stem of the central exploder container in the nose, and extends through the body almost to the closing plate. All three nose fuzing positions house exploder containers, the two side ones extending radially inward toward the central tube.
Tail Construction: The tail is a metal cylinder, having an angle ring secured at each end. Hand holes in the tail cylinder give access to the tail securing bolts, which thread through tapped bosses on the forward angle ring. Other holes in the cylinder provide stability in flight.
Suspension: The bomb uses a single suspension lug 46 inches from the nose dome secured by eight screws.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: CE exploder in pistol exploder containers, and CE pellets in central tube.
Main Filling: 1230lb Amatol 60/40 or 50/50; 1285lb RDX/TNT 60/40; or 1360lb Torpex 2.
Remarks: The bomb may have a nose attachment consisting of a light-gauge metal cylinder extending from the body shell forward around the dome-shaped nose, to retard it in flight.
A central tube is cemented to the stem of the central exploder container in the nose, and extends through the body almost to the closing plate. All three nose fuzing positions house exploder containers, the two side ones extending radially inward toward the central tube.
Tail Construction: The tail is a metal cylinder, having an angle ring secured at each end. Hand holes in the tail cylinder give access to the tail securing bolts, which thread through tapped bosses on the forward angle ring. Other holes in the cylinder provide stability in flight.
Suspension: The bomb uses a single suspension lug 46 inches from the nose dome secured by eight screws.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: CE exploder in pistol exploder containers, and CE pellets in central tube.
Main Filling: 1230lb Amatol 60/40 or 50/50; 1285lb RDX/TNT 60/40; or 1360lb Torpex 2.
Remarks: The bomb may have a nose attachment consisting of a light-gauge metal cylinder extending from the body shell forward around the dome-shaped nose, to retard it in flight.
HC 4,000lb Mk I (Obsolescent)
Overall length: 115 inches
Body length: 88.5 inches
Body diameter: 30 inches
Wall thickness: 0.31 inches
Tail length: 27 inches
Tail width: 29.3 inches
Tail length: 27 inches
Tail width: 29.3 inches
Total weight: 3,920
Charge/Weight ratio: 73%
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, or 44; Two side fuze pockets not used
Tail No: No.24 Mk I
Charge/Weight ratio: 73%
Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, or 44; Two side fuze pockets not used
Tail No: No.24 Mk I
Color and markings: Dark Green overall
1/2 inch red band 1 inch from front edge of cylindrical shell,
2 inch light green band 16 inches from edge
1/2 inch red band 1 inch from front edge of cylindrical shell,
2 inch light green band 16 inches from edge
Body Construction: The body is a cylindrical shell which has a hollow, conical nose piece welded to it, parallel sides, and a closing plate bolted to an angle ring. The angle ring is welded in position a short distance inside the after end. The shell is strengthened by a T-section beam welded to its inner surface. Steel blocks, constituting pads for suspension lug and hoisting brackets, are welded in the angles of the beam, The central tube is fitted over, and cemented to, the stem of the exploder container, extending almost to the closing plate. Two exploder containers are fitted near the rear of the bomb at 45 degree angles to the strengthening beam.
Tail Construction: The tail is a cylinder of light-gauge plate, closed at rear by a diaphragm plate which is welded in position. Tail securing screws thread into corresponding holes near the rear edge of the body shell. The forward portion of the cylinder has saw-cuts between adjacent screw clearance holes, so that the tail can be sprung into the rear of the bomb body.
Suspension: A single suspension lug at the center of gravity is bolted to the body and internal strengthening beam.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: Exploder containers house one solid and two perforate CE pellets. The central tube is filled with 36 pellets of pressed TNT.
Main Filling: 2882 pounds of Amatol 60/40.
Remarks: This bomb may be fitted with a nose attachment to retard it in flight, consisting of a light-gauge plate around the forward end of the shell, which projects beyond it around the conical nosepiece. Side fuze pockets are usually not used, but might contain a Time Pistol No.47.
Tail Construction: The tail is a cylinder of light-gauge plate, closed at rear by a diaphragm plate which is welded in position. Tail securing screws thread into corresponding holes near the rear edge of the body shell. The forward portion of the cylinder has saw-cuts between adjacent screw clearance holes, so that the tail can be sprung into the rear of the bomb body.
Suspension: A single suspension lug at the center of gravity is bolted to the body and internal strengthening beam.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: Exploder containers house one solid and two perforate CE pellets. The central tube is filled with 36 pellets of pressed TNT.
Main Filling: 2882 pounds of Amatol 60/40.
Remarks: This bomb may be fitted with a nose attachment to retard it in flight, consisting of a light-gauge plate around the forward end of the shell, which projects beyond it around the conical nosepiece. Side fuze pockets are usually not used, but might contain a Time Pistol No.47.
HC 4,000lb Mks II and III (Obsolescent), and Mks IV, V, and VI (Service)
Overall length: 110 inches
Body length: 62 inches
Body diameter: 30 inches
Wall thickness: 0.31 inches
Tail length: 27 inches
Tail width: 29 inches
Tail length: 27 inches
Tail width: 29 inches
Total weight: 3,930 pounds, Amatol filled
Charge/Weight ratio: 75%
Fuzing: Three nose pistols, Nos.27, 42, or 44; side fuze pockets on Mk II not used
Tail No: No.24 Mk I
Charge/Weight ratio: 75%
Fuzing: Three nose pistols, Nos.27, 42, or 44; side fuze pockets on Mk II not used
Tail No: No.24 Mk I
Color and markings: Dark Green overall
1/2 inch red band 8 inches from nose,
2 inch light green band 2 inches from nose
1/2 inch red band 8 inches from nose,
2 inch light green band 2 inches from nose
Body Construction: The body consists of a fabricated steel, cylindrical shell with a domed plate welded to the nose end, parallel sides, and a closing plate bolted to the angle ring, which is welded in position a short distance inside the after end. The closing plate has a central adapter for a screw-ion plug and two drop handles. The nose dome houses three exploder containers, the center one of which is extended through the body by a central tube. The Mk II has two side fuze pockets near the rear of the body. Mks II and III have strengthening beams running fore and aft, welded to the inner surface of the body, and acting as a pad for the suspension lug and hoisting brackets. The Mk IV has steel blocks to support the suspension lug and hoisting brackets, and has no beam.
Tail Construction: The tail is a cylinder of light-gauge plate, closed at the rear by a diaphragm plate which is welded in position. Tail securing screws thread into corresponding holes near the rear edge of the body shell. The forward portion of the cylinder has saw-cuts between adjacent screw clearance holes, so that the tail can be sprung into the rear of the bomb body.
Suspension: A single suspension lug 43 inches from the nose dome is bolted to the bomb body and the steel support block.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: CE pellets in exploder containers and central tube.
Main Filling:
-Mk II: 2954 pounds Amatol 60/40
-Mk III and IV: 2960 pounds Amatol 50/50 or 60/40, 3070 pounds RDX/TNT 60/40, 3088 pounds Minol 2, or 3294 pounds Torpex 2.
Remarks: These bombs may be fitted with a nose attachment to retard them in flight, consisting of light-gauge plate around the forward end of the body shell which projects beyond it around the nose piece. The side fuze pockets on the Mk II are usually not used but might contain a Time Pistol No.47.
The Mk V is the same as Bomb Mk IV, but was made and filled in the US. The Bomb Mk VI was made in US, and has a metal box for lugs and other fittings welded to the rear of the bomb body.
Tail Construction: The tail is a cylinder of light-gauge plate, closed at the rear by a diaphragm plate which is welded in position. Tail securing screws thread into corresponding holes near the rear edge of the body shell. The forward portion of the cylinder has saw-cuts between adjacent screw clearance holes, so that the tail can be sprung into the rear of the bomb body.
Suspension: A single suspension lug 43 inches from the nose dome is bolted to the bomb body and the steel support block.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: CE pellets in exploder containers and central tube.
Main Filling:
-Mk II: 2954 pounds Amatol 60/40
-Mk III and IV: 2960 pounds Amatol 50/50 or 60/40, 3070 pounds RDX/TNT 60/40, 3088 pounds Minol 2, or 3294 pounds Torpex 2.
Remarks: These bombs may be fitted with a nose attachment to retard them in flight, consisting of light-gauge plate around the forward end of the body shell which projects beyond it around the nose piece. The side fuze pockets on the Mk II are usually not used but might contain a Time Pistol No.47.
The Mk V is the same as Bomb Mk IV, but was made and filled in the US. The Bomb Mk VI was made in US, and has a metal box for lugs and other fittings welded to the rear of the bomb body.
HC 8,000lb, Sectional, Mks I and II (Obsolescent)
Overall length: 133.6 inches
Body length:
-Front Section: 3 feet, 11.15 inches
-Rear Section: 3 feet, 11.75 inches
-Front Section: 3 feet, 11.15 inches
-Rear Section: 3 feet, 11.75 inches
Body diameter: 38 inches
Wall thickness: 0.5 inches
Tail length:
-No.33 Mk I: 36.5 inches
-No.52 Mk I: 64 inches
Tail width: 37.8 inches
Tail length:
-No.33 Mk I: 36.5 inches
-No.52 Mk I: 64 inches
Tail width: 37.8 inches
Total weight: 7,860 pounds, Amatol 9 filled
Charge/Weight ratio: 68%
Fuzing: Three nose pistols, Nos.27, 42, or 44
Tail No: No.33 Mk I, or No.52 Mk I
Charge/Weight ratio: 68%
Fuzing: Three nose pistols, Nos.27, 42, or 44
Tail No: No.33 Mk I, or No.52 Mk I
Color and markings: Dark Green overall
1 inch bright red band,
2 inch light green band around each of the bomb body sections
1 inch bright red band,
2 inch light green band around each of the bomb body sections
Body Construction: The bomb consists of two cylindrical sections, each approximately 45 feet long and 3 feet, 2 inches in diameter, connected together by bolts. The front section has a domed nose plate welded to the body, and houses three exploder containers. A flat closing plate at the rear is bolted to an end ring, which is fitted with assembly bolts for connecting the two sections. An additional exploder container is fitted into a central bush in the rear closing plate. The rear section is closed at each end by plates. The forward plate is welded to a channel ring having holes circumferentially located to receive the assembly bolts of the forward section. The exploder container fits into the forward closing plate of the rear section. Central exploder tubes extend through both sections. Joining rings are cast in the Mk I and fabricated by welding in the Bomb Mk II.
Tail Construction: The Tail No.33 Mk I consists of a hollow steel-plate cylinder open at the after end, with an angle ring welded or riveted in its forward end. The angle ring is drilled to take the assembly bolts of the rear body section for attaching the tail. Hand clearance holes give access to the assembly bolts during assembling of the tail to the bomb.
The Tail No.52 Mk I has a cone with hand holes for access to the securing bolts, and a cylindrical strut attached tot he cone by six fins which are welded to both the strut and the cone.
Suspension: The bomb is suspended by a single suspension lug, secured by four bolts to steel block pads on the channel ring and immediately abaft the ring on the rear body section, 50 inches from the bomb nose. This point represents the center of gravity.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: All exploder containers and exploders in the central tube of both sections are filled with CE pellets.
Main Filling: 5361 pounds Amatex 9, or 5850 pounds Torpex 2.
Remarks: This bomb can be fitted with a cylindrical nose attachment, place around the nose of the forward section and protruding around the domed nose, to retard bomb in flight. This bomb is not composed of two regular 4000 pound HC bombs, but of sections weighing approximately 4000 pounds, designed especially for it.
Tail Construction: The Tail No.33 Mk I consists of a hollow steel-plate cylinder open at the after end, with an angle ring welded or riveted in its forward end. The angle ring is drilled to take the assembly bolts of the rear body section for attaching the tail. Hand clearance holes give access to the assembly bolts during assembling of the tail to the bomb.
The Tail No.52 Mk I has a cone with hand holes for access to the securing bolts, and a cylindrical strut attached tot he cone by six fins which are welded to both the strut and the cone.
Suspension: The bomb is suspended by a single suspension lug, secured by four bolts to steel block pads on the channel ring and immediately abaft the ring on the rear body section, 50 inches from the bomb nose. This point represents the center of gravity.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: All exploder containers and exploders in the central tube of both sections are filled with CE pellets.
Main Filling: 5361 pounds Amatex 9, or 5850 pounds Torpex 2.
Remarks: This bomb can be fitted with a cylindrical nose attachment, place around the nose of the forward section and protruding around the domed nose, to retard bomb in flight. This bomb is not composed of two regular 4000 pound HC bombs, but of sections weighing approximately 4000 pounds, designed especially for it.
HC 12,000lb Mk II (Service)
Overall length: 196 inches
Body length: Each of three sections approx. 4 feet long
Body diameter: 38 inches
Wall thickness: 0.5 inches
Tail length:
-No.33 Mk I: 36.5 inches
-No.52 Mk I: 64 inches
Tail width: 38 inches
Tail length:
-No.33 Mk I: 36.5 inches
-No.52 Mk I: 64 inches
Tail width: 38 inches
Total weight: 11,936 pounds, Amatex 9 filled
Charge/Weight ratio: 70% (approx.)
Fuzing: Three nose pistols, Nos.27, 42, or 44
Tail No: No.33 Mk I, or No.52 Mk I
Charge/Weight ratio: 70% (approx.)
Fuzing: Three nose pistols, Nos.27, 42, or 44
Tail No: No.33 Mk I, or No.52 Mk I
Color and markings: Dark Green overall
1 inch bright red band,
2 inch light green band around each of the bomb sections
1 inch bright red band,
2 inch light green band around each of the bomb sections
Body Construction: The bombs consist of three sections bolted together. It is identical to the 8000 pound HC bomb, with an additional rear body section. Joining rings are fabricated by welding, not cast as in Mk I section used in 8000 pound HC bomb.
Tail Construction: The Tail No.33 Mk I is a hollow-steel plate cylinder open at the after end, with an angle ring welded or riveted onto the forward end and drilled to take the assembly bolts of the rear body section for attaching tail. Hand clearance holes give access to the assembly bolts.
The No.52 Mk I has a tail cone with hand holes for access to the securing bolts and a cylindrical strut, attached to the cone by six fins which are welded to the strut and cone.
Suspension: The bomb is suspended by dual suspension lugs, each secured by four bolts to the two channel rings connecting the three body sections.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: CE pellets
Main Filling: 8040 pounds Amatex 9, or 8760 pounds Torpex 2
Tail Construction: The Tail No.33 Mk I is a hollow-steel plate cylinder open at the after end, with an angle ring welded or riveted onto the forward end and drilled to take the assembly bolts of the rear body section for attaching tail. Hand clearance holes give access to the assembly bolts.
The No.52 Mk I has a tail cone with hand holes for access to the securing bolts and a cylindrical strut, attached to the cone by six fins which are welded to the strut and cone.
Suspension: The bomb is suspended by dual suspension lugs, each secured by four bolts to the two channel rings connecting the three body sections.
Explosive Components:
Exploders: CE pellets
Main Filling: 8040 pounds Amatex 9, or 8760 pounds Torpex 2
Next Time: Semi-Armor Piercing, Armor Piercing, and Deep Penetration Bombs
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