German Explosive Ordnance - SC Bombs (Part 2)

German Explosives

SC 1200

Overall length: 109.5 inches
Body Length: 75 inches
Body Diameter: 25.6 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.45 inches

Tail Length: 46.5 inches

Tail Width: 26 inches

Filling: Trialen
Weight of Filling: 631 kilograms
Total Weight: 1,117 kilograms
Charge/Weight ratio: 57%

Color: Sky blue overall with a yellow stripe on the tail cone.


Construction: The SC 1200kg bomb is very similar in construction to the SC 1000 series.  The body is a drawn steel tube to which has been welded a heavy cast steel nose.  The after end of the body is constructed to take a female base plate.  There is one transverse fuze pocket located off the suspension lug.  A Kopfring is welded to the nose.

The magnesium alloy tail unit is similar to that on the SC 1000 series and is secured to the bomb in the same manner.


Suspension: A suspension band is placed around the body of the bomb at the center of gravity.  Secured to this band is an H-type suspension lug.

SC 1800 Satan

SC 1800
Overall length: 147.9 inches
Body Length: 107 inches
Body Diameter: 26 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.5 inches
Tail Width: 36 inches
Tail Length: 55.2 inches

SC 1800B
Overall length: 137.7 inches
Body Length: 106 inches
Body Diameter: 26 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.5 inches
Tail Width: 26 inches
Tail Length: 44.7 inches

Filling: 40/60 Amatol, TNT and Trialen 105

Color: Sky blue overall with yellow stripe on tail cone.


Construction: The SC 1800kg bomb has the same general construction as the SC 1000 and SC 1200 series.  It is fitted with a single fuze pocket.

The tail unit is constructed of sheet steel.  The four fins are braced with diagonal bars on the SC 1800 model and with the ring type brace on the SC 1800B model.  The SC 1800 series has the central TNT exploder tube like the SC 1000.


Suspension: Horizontal, using the H-type suspension lug.


Remarks: If filled with Trialen 105, the following will be stenciled on the case.  "105" "Bei Abwurf auf land nicht im Tiefangrift und nur o. V." (Not to be released from a low height on land targets; always nondelay.)





SC 2000-kg

Overall length: 136.5 inches
Body Length: 106 inches
Body Diameter: 26 inches
Wall Thickness: 17/32 inches
Tail Width: 24 and 1/2 inches
Tail Length: 43 and 3/4 inches

Filling: 40/60 Amatol
Weight of Filling: 975 kilograms
Total Weight: 1950 kilograms
Charge/Weight ratio: 50%

Color: Dull black overall in color.  Markings stenciled in white.  There is a 4 and 1/2-inch yellow band painted about half way down the body.


Construction: The entire body is forged into one piece and is machine finished externally.  A triangular ring (Kopfring) is welded on the nose to prevent excessive ground penetration.  A 5/8-inch plate is welded inside the casing beneath the H-type suspension lug to act as a stiffener.  The bomb contains one transverse fuze pocket located just aft of the suspension lug.  A 2-inch diameter steel bar with threaded holes in each end also runs transversely but at right angles to the fuze pocket.  These holes receive the detachable trunnion screws which are used only for dive bombing.  A dished tail retaining ring containing 24 holes is welded to the bomb casing near the base.  Twelve small screws affix the tail assembly to this.

The tail is made of 3/32-inch sheet steel.  Each fin and cone segment is formed from one pressing and the four components are welded together.  A closed cylindrical container 6 and 1/2 inches long and 3 and 5/16 inches in diameter is located in the center of the tail assembly aft of the tail cone.  This is closed at the rear by a threaded male plug with a conical spring mounted on its inner side.  The dive bombing trunnions are stored in this space until and if they are to be used.


Suspension: Horizontal, H-type lug, or by trunnions.  Trunnions screw into the sides of the bomb 90 degrees from the carrying lug.





SC 2500 Max

Overall length: 154 and 1/4 inches
Body Length: 94 and 3/4 inches
Body Diameter: 32 inches
Wall Thickness: 17/32 inches
Tail Width: 33 inches
Tail Length: 66 and 1/2 inches

Filling: Trialen 105; 40/60 Amatol mixture of RDZ, TNT, and aluminum.

Total Weight: 2400 kilograms (approx.)


Color: Sky blue overall.  SC 2500 is stenciled on the body in letters 3 inches high.  Two yellow stripes are painted on the body between the tail fins.  A few anti-shipping bombs have been found with the following stenciled on the body: "Bei Abwurf auf land nicht im Tiefangrift und nur o. V." (Not to be released from a low height on land targets; always nondelay.)  This type is thought to be filled with Trialen 105.


Construction: The SC 2,500 has an aluminum body with a welded head and tailpiece.  There are two welded fuze pockets.  The rear fuze pocket is in the plane of the suspension lug.  The forward pocket is rotated about 30 degrees tot he right.  This pocket is connected to the nose of the bomb by a tube which extends a break-up functioning rod.  This rod, which is central to the axis of the bomb, will on distortion of the nose crush the lower section of the fuze to explode the bomb.  A kopfring is welded to the nose.

The tail of the SC 2500 is aluminum and of the drum type.


Suspension: Horizontal by an H-type lug.  A suspension band is placed around bombs to give a solid base for the suspension lug.

Next Time: SB Bombs


Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters

German Explosive Ordnance - SC Bombs (Part 1)

German Explosives

SC 50-kg Bi

Overall length: 46.1 inches
Body Length: 30 inches
Body Diameter: 7.9 inches
Wall Thickness: 2 to 2.6 inches
Tail Width: 11 inches
Tail Length: 16.1 inches

Filling: Cast TNT, Amatol, or Trialen
Weight of Filling: 24.4 kilograms
Total Weight: 55.5 kilograms
Charge/Weight ratio: 45.75%

Color: Dark gray or green overall


Construction: The Bi is a one-piece cast steel body machined down.  All the fittings are welded in place.  It is very similar to the Ja and L series.

The bomb is threaded at the base to take a male base plate.  A steel diaphragm with a central hole is located 3 and 3/4 inches forward from the base plate.  When the bomb is loaded, the filling charge comes only to this diaphragm.

The tail cone is sheet steel constructed in four pieces, and welded together.  The assembled cone is secured to the bomb by means of eight screws.

There is one transverse fuze pocket located forward of the horizontal suspension lug.  The bottom end of the pocket is secured to the opposite wall by a weld.  It is long enough to accommodate the normal sized electric fuze and two picric pellets.

In the nose female threads take an eye bolt for vertical suspension.  The bomb may include a shock plate welded to the nose to help prevent ricochet when used against water targets.

SC 50 Grade I - Ja, L, and Stabo

Overall length:
Ja and L: 43.3 inches
Stabo: 61.8 inches

Body Length: 30 inches
Body Diameter: 8 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.16 to 0.24 inches
Tail Width: 11 inches
Tail Length: 16.1 inches

Filling: Cast TNT, powdered Amatol, or cast Trialen
Weight of Filling: 21 to 25 kilograms
Total Weight: 48 to 55 kilograms
Charge/Weight ratio: 46%

Color: Sandy grey or dark green overall
Yellow stripe on each segment of cone.


Construction: The Ja has a one-piece drawn steel body.  The L is the same as the Ja except the body is of seamless tubular steel.  The Stabo is like the Ja, with a threaded lug forged to the nose of the bomb.  A steel spike 18.5 inches long, 1.8 inches in diameter, can be secured to this lug.

The sheet steel tail cone is secured to the bomb body by eight screws.  More recent models have a collar welded around the neck of the bomb and the tail cone is secured to this collar by screws.  The holes in the tail fins are used when screamers are attached.

Bombs can be modified for use on water targets by removing the tail fins.  It is claimed ballistics are not changed up to an altitude of 200 meters.

Its maximum delay of five seconds allows 12 to 18 meters of water travel.

When water targets are the object of an attack an anti-ricochet plate is bolted to the nose.  This permits a much smaller angle of impact without ricochet.


Suspension: Horizontal or vertical by an eyebolt.





SC 50 Grade II - JB, JC, J, J/2

Overall length: 43.3 inches
Body Length: 26.4 inches
Body Diameter: 8 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.16 to 0.24 inches
Tail Width: 11 inches
Tail Length: 16.1 inches

Filling: Cast TNT, powdered Amatol, or cast Trialen
Weight of Filling: 21 to 25 kilograms
Total Weight: 48 to 55 kilograms
Charge/Weight ratio: 46%

Color: Sandy grey or dark green overall
Yellow stripe on each segment of cone.


Construction: The JB has a one-piece nose and body.  The base is welded to the body.  The JC has a pressed steel nose and drawn steel body.  Here the nose and base are welded to the body.  The J was the early model of the JB and they are identical in construction.  The J/2 is very similar to the JC, the quality of the steel being the real difference.  It was produced only in limited quantities.

The sheet steel tail cone is riveted to a ring which is secured to the bomb body by eight screws.  The small holes on the fins are used to attach screamers.

Grade II can also be modified for use against water targets.  Same modification and results as for Grade I are claimed.


Suspension: Either horizontal or vertical.





SC 250 - Types 1, 2, and 3; J, L, L2, B, and K

Overall length: 64.5 inches
-L2 (Stabo): 87 inches

Body Length: 47 inches
Body Diameter: 14.5 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.3 in (wall) to 2.8 in (nose)
Tail Width: 20 inches
Tail Length: 25 inches

Filling: 60/40 Amatol, TNT;
TNT and wax or woodmeal and aluminum powder and naphthalene and ammonium nitrate.

Weight of Filling: 287 pounds
Total Weight: 548 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 52%

Color: Field grey, sky blue, or aluminum overall.  Yellow stripes on the tail.


Type 1: Includes Models J, L, and L2.  J is of one-piece construction forged steel; L is one-piece construction tube steel; L2 is two-piece construction, nose forged steel, body tube steel.


Type 2: J is two-piece construction forged steel.


Type 3: Includes Models J, B, and K.  J is three-piece construction; nose, forged steel; body, tube steel; and base, forged steel.  B is three-piece construction; nose, cast steel; body, tube steel; and base, arched case steel.  K is three-piece construction; nose, case hardened steel; body, tube steel; and base, cast steel.


Suspension: Suspension is either horizontal or vertical.


Remarks: The L2 type is sometimes equipped with a spike making it detonate above the ground.  Spike is 22 and 1/2 inches long and 3 inches in diameter.





SC 500-kg Grade III (K, L2, J)

Overall length: 80 inches

Body Length:
-K: 55.7 inches
-L2: 58.5 inches
-J: 57 inches

Body Diameter: 18 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.3 in (wall) to 3.2 in (nose)
Tail Width: 25 inches
Tail Length: 29.5 inches

Filling: 40/60 or 50/50 Amatol, TNT, Trialen
Weight of Filling: 220 kilograms
Total Weight: 500 kilograms
Charge/Weight ratio: 44%

Color: Field grey, sky blue, or aluminum body with yellow stripes on the tail cone.  When a merchant ship silhouette is stenciled in yellow on the tail cone, it indicates Trialen (105) filler.


Construction: The SC 500-kg Grade III bomb is constructed in three sections: nose piece, center section, and tail closing assembly.  The steel nose is cast and machined to the proper dimensions, and then welded to a drawn steel tube known as the center section.  The tail closing assembly consists of a sheet steel dome, and a steel connecting ring.  The flat steel connecting ring is riveted to the outside of the dome, and then the whole assembly is secured to the after end of the center section with 16 countersunk bolts.  The tail assembly is placed in this position only after the bomb has been filled with explosive.

There are two transverse fuze pockets in this series.  The forward pocket generally contain sthe impact fuze and the after pocket has either a type 17 time fuze of a type 50 anti-disturbance fuze.  In case the bomb is to be used in anti-submarine work, the forward fuze pocket will contain a type 38 fuze.  A kopfring will also be added for this type of work.


Suspension: Horizontal only by means of an eyebolt.


Remarks: Bombs recovered with Trialen filling have cylindrical paper wrapped pellets 1 and 15/16 in. in length and diameter forming a column along the main axis of the bomb.  These pellets are composed of RDX/Alum/Wax.  Some bombs have approximately 500 pellets in addition distributed throughout the filling.





SC 1000 Herman (C, L, and L2)

C-type
Overall length: 109.5 inches
Body Length: 75 inches
Body Diameter: 26 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.4 in
Tail Width: 24 inches
Tail Length: 46.5 inches
Filling: 40/60 Amatol, TNT; TNT aluminum powder woodmeal; Trialen (105)
Weight of Filling: 620 kilograms
Total Weight: 1,090 kilograms
Charge/Weight ratio: 57%



L-type
Overall length: 99.9 inches
Body Length: 68.6 inches
Body Diameter: 25.5 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.4 in
Tail Width: 25.3 inches
Tail Length: 46.5 inches
Filling: 40/60 Amatol, TNT; TNT aluminum powder woodmeal; Trialen (105)
Weight of Filling: 530 kilograms
Total Weight: 1,002 kilograms
Charge/Weight ratio: 53%



L2-type
Overall length: 109.5 inches
Body Length: 75 inches
Body Diameter: 25.6 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.4 in
Tail Width: 24 inches
Tail Length: 46.5 inches
Filling: 40/60 Amatol, TNT; TNT aluminum powder woodmeal; Trialen (105)
Weight of Filling: 600 kilograms
Total Weight: 1,002 kilograms
Charge/Weight ratio: 60%



Color: Sky blue with a yellow strip on the tail cone.


Construction: The SC 1000 and SC 1000 L2 general demolition bombs have a drawn steel tube body.  A very heavy constructed pointed nose is welded to the forward end of the drawn steel body.  The after end of the bomb body is threaded to take a female base plate.  The tail attachment brace is tack welded to the body just forward of the base plate.

The magnesium alloy tail unit is of welded construction and is equipped with ring type struts.  The unit is secured to the bomb body in two ways; it is welded directly to the bomb where the base of the cone contacts the body, and it is also bolted to the tail attachment brace with 16 round head bolts.

This series of bombs are equipped with only one transverse fuze pocket.  It is located approximately 8 inches off the suspension lug, and usually contains one of the EL A Z (55) series fuzes.

In addition to the booster pellets in the transverse fuze pocket, a central exploder tube of high grade TNT is located in the center of the explosive cavity.  This tube runs almost the entire length of the cavity and is used to insure high order detonation.

The nose of the bomb is always fitted with the large-size kopfring.


Suspension: Horizontal by means of an H-type lug.


Remarks: When filled with Trialen (105), in place of yellow stripes on the tail cone, a silhouette of a ship is stencilled in yellow paint.  On the bomb body is stencilled "nur gegen handelschiffen" (use only against merchant ships).  It is stated that against non armour-plated targets it gives off a good mining and blast effect, also good underwater results.  Low level attacks using this bomb cannot be made because of the lack of safety for the releasing plane.

Next Time: SC Bombs (Part 2)



Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters

German Explosive Ordnance - Bombs Introduction

German Explosives

Introduction

The following list gives the abbreviated designations used for the identification of German bombs, the full German designation and the English equivalent.

General


The three principal types of German demolition bombs are:

-"Spreng Cylindrisch" (SC) or general purpose bombs
-"Spreng Dickenwand" (SD) or splinter bombs
-"Panzer Cylindrisch" or armor piercing bombs.


In addition to these three general types there are: SB and SA types of bombs for maximum blast, SBe concrete bombs, PD armor piercing bomb and the BT (Bomben Torpedo) bomb.


The SC or general purpose bombs are used primarily for general demolition work.  The SC 250 and SC 500 may be fitted with two athwartships fuze pockets instead of the usual one.  These two bombs are usually associated with time and protective fuzing.  The other SC bombs are fuzed either instantaneously or with a short delay.  SC bombs have thin parallel walls with a comparatively heavy nose.  Usually they are of three piece welded construction.  SC bombs have a loading factor of approximately 55 percent and are filled in most cases with cast TNT, powdered amatol or trialen.  Bomb identification for the SC type is made easy by the presence of yellow paint on the tail cone.


The SB type of bomb is designed to give maximum blast effect.  It has very thin walls and loading factors run as high as 80 percent.  Fuzing is instantaneous.


The SD "splinter" or fragmentation bombs are used primarily against personnel, tanks, all type sof armored and unarmored vehicles, and against other surface targets which are vulnerable to fragmentation damage.  They are usually fuzed instantaneously and may have extension rods from the nose to actuate the fuze above ground.  The walls are thick, the thickness being uniform throughout the sides with a slightly heavier nose.  They are usually forged in one piece.  They have a loading factor of approximately 35 percent and are filled with TNT, amatol, or trialen.  Bombs may be identified by the presence of red paint on the tail cone.  (This should not be confused with the base coat of red lead which is used on all German bombs.)

SD (small antipersonnel bombs).  A special grouping of these is desired, for they are a very distinctive group and not just a miniature model of the larger type.  Bombs have thick walls and a low loading factor.  A mechanical instead of electric fuze is used in most of these bombs and bombs are usually carried in containers.  SC bombs of this type are so designated, but it seems they might more correctly be called SD to keep classification uniform.


SBe or concrete bombs are used for the same purpose as SD's/  They have thick concrete walls reinforced with steel.  Loading factor is around 20 percent and a low power explosive is normally used.

The PC or armor-piercing bombs are used primarily against ships and fortifications.  They are fuzed with a short delay for penetration.  PC bombs are slightly streamlined with a heavy nose and thick walls.  The thickness of the walls decreases toward the base of the bomb.  They are made of cast steel and the nose is specially hardened.  PC bombs have a loading factor of approximately 20 percent and are filled with a TNT wax mixture.  PC bombs may be identified by the presence of dark blue paint on the tail cone.  PC bombs have been used as SD's for fragmentation and fuzed instantaneously; if so, the dark blue may be over-painted with red.


The PD is even more exclusively armor piercing.  Bombs are thinner, longer, have thicker case and a lower loading factor.


BT.  The BT (bomben torpedo) was put into production during the last 2 months of the war, but was never used operationally.  It is designed along the lines similar to a torpedo except for the after section where there are three large tail fins.  The missile has no propulsion except that induced by gravity and the forward motion of the mother aircraft.


SA 4000 (Experimental) is a very large high capacity bomb.  The loading factor is about 80 percent.  It was never used operationally against the allies.


Misc. Place Destroying Bombs.  The aircraft-towed paravane bomb is a small 2-kg bomb towed by a plane.  The plane destroying bomb is a small charge with a pull type igniter and safety fuze.




Coloring


Bombs which are carried in internal bomb racks (up through 500 kg) are usually colored dark green.  Bombs which are carried in external bomb racks (1,000 kg and over) are usually colored sky blue.  Color may also be controlled by the conditions of the bomb stowage.  Aluminum, tan, buff, etc., are colors that may be used.



Typical Bomb Explosive Train


The fuze is located in an athwartship fuze pocket extending the full internal diameter of the bomb.  The fuze is usually held in thje top of the fuze pocket by a locking ring and a locating ring.  Threading into the bottom of the fuze is a steel case called the gaine.  The gaine is filled with a PETN-wax mixture.  A small pellet of lead azide and lead styphnate mixture is positioned in the top of the gaine.  Tehse pellets may be of granular TNT.  In bombs with powdered filligns, a column of granular TNT pellets is placed longitudinally in the bomb adjacent to the fuze pocket.

Tail Construction


Two tail types are used.  The first type, a sheet steel tail, is usually made in four pieces to form a cone with four fins.  The fins may be unbraced, braced with tubular struts, or braced with a cylindrical strut (ring).  The second type is of magnesium alloy.  The cone and four fins are cast in one piece.  The fins may be braced with a cylindrical strut of the same material.


Suspension


Bombs up to and including some of the 500 kg type scan be suspended either horizontally or vertically.  The remaining 500's and all larger types are suspended horizontally.  All vertical suspension is by an eyebolt threaded into the nose of the bomb.  Horizontal suspension is by an eyebolt for the 50kg series, either an eyebolt or a threaded T-type lug for the 250kg and 500kg series, and by means of an H-type lug for the larger series bombs.  The H lug is secured either to a carrying band or directly to the bomb body.  The SC 1000 and SC 1200 type bombs have been using a U bolt secured to the carrying band on the latest models.

Kopfring


Kopfrings (nose rings) are sometimes fitted to the nose of SC bombs to prevent excessive penetration against land targets and to prevent ricochet against sea targets.  Kopfrings may also be found on the SD 70 and SD 1700 bombs when they are used against above-mentioned targets.

Anti-Ricochet Plates


The anti-ricochet plates are used for the same general purpose as the kopfring but are entirely different in construction.  Type I, which is used only on the SC 250kg bombs, is constructed of a conical cup and a dished plate welded to it.  The conical cup is of 3/16 inch steel and designed to fit as a sheath over the nose of the bomb.  A dished plate, 10 inches in diameter, fits over the cup and is welded to it.  Eight stiffening ribs, also of 3/16 inch steel, are welded between the plate and the cup.  The entire assembly is attached to the nose of the bomb by means of a threaded bolt which passes through a hole in the apex of the cone.

Type II is used on the SC 50kg bombs.  A circular plate, 5 and 3/4 inches in diameter and 15/16 inch thick, is machined conically to fit over the nose of the bomb.  Welded to this plate is a circular cup, 2 and 11/16 inches in diameter and drilled centrally to take a bolt for securing the entire assembly to the bomb.

Dinort Rods


Dinort rods are secured to the nose of the SD type bomb and used to obtain a "daisy cutter" effect on impact.  There are two types: steel rods and wood rods.

Steel Rod: The rod consists of a drawn steel tube with a circular steel plate welded to the base and a steel cup welded to the top.  A threaded lug is welded to the upper end of the tube and passes through a hole in the cup.  This lug screws into the suspension lug socket at the nose of the bomb.

Wooden Rod: The rod consists of the square, center stick with two square pieces of wood nailed to the base.  Two U-shaped steel plates welded together are secured to the upper end of the main member by light woodscrews.  A bolt, welded to the plates, is threaded to screw into the nos suspension lug socket at the nose of the bomb.

SD and HL Hollow Charge Bombs Hollow Charge Nose Device


Construction: In SD 250 bombs having a hollow charge, the cavity is semicircular in section.  The cavity in the SD 500 is a truncated cone, the larger diameter being 30 cms and the smaller diameter, 11 cms.

The HE charge has a metal lining for the cavity which is supported on a flange and in order to permit the formation of the jet, the flange is located at a distance from the nose for the bomb approximately 1.5 times the diameter of the cavity.  The opening at the nose of the bomb is approximately 5 and 1/4 inches.

The 250 HL will penetrate 35 cms of armor plate.  The 500 HL will penetrate 62.5 cms of armor plate or 350 cms of concrete.  The performance figures for the 800 HL are not available but it appears that with an HE charge of 110kg it was hoped to penetrate 100 cms of armor or 6 meters of reinforced concrete.  They are generally filled with amatol 50/50 or 60/40.

The special nose device for use with SD 250 bombs consists of a hollow charge which is to be attached to a bomb of standard type.  This charge which weighs about 4kg is detonated by its own fuze located int he nose of the device.  In order that detonation of hollow charge shall not damage the bomb, the space between the charge and the bomb is filled with a mixture of sawdust and cement.


Remarks: Details of these types were obtained from documentary evidence only.

The SD hollow charge bomb proved disappointing in performance and modifications were made which resulted in the production of the HL type of bomb.

The special nose device for the SD 250 obtains greater penetration power from low altitudes.  It produces a hole in the armor through which the bomb can pass.  Bomb has a short delay fuze so that detonation of bomb will occur inside the target.  Documents state that such a bomb will penetrate 7 cms of armor plate.

Next Time: SC Bombs (Part 1)


Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters