German Explosive Ordnance - Incendiary, Smoke, and Practice Bombs (Part 4)

German Explosives

ZC 10kg Concrete Practice Bomb

Overall Length: 23 inches

Body Length: 12 and 3/4 inches

Body Diameter: 3 and 1/4 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.5 side to 0.86 inches tail
Tall Length: 8 and 3/8 inches
Tail Width: 4 and 5/8 inches


Color and Markings: Body unpainted with 2-inch white band at the nose.  Tail vanes aluminum color; nose, black.  LFB 110 stenciled on body.



Construction: The bomb has a concrete body of the same dimensions as the SC10.  A conical dummy fuze head of block bakelite is fitted to the nose end of the bomb.  This fuze head is secured by four evenly spaced wires embedded in cement extending through the bomb.  The wires pass through four housings in the bakelite fuze head, and are secured in position at the nose by turning over the protruding ends.  The other ends of the four wires are secured by passing each wire through separate eye holes provided at the base of the sheet metal fins and turning over the ends.

A central cavity 11 inches in length is formed within the body to accept a paper cartridge.  The cartridge is separated at the nose end from the dummy fuze head by a 1/8-inch thick felt washer.

The paper cartridge contains a glass ampoule, surrounded by a filling of chalk, the ampoule contains either chlorosulphonic acid or fuming hydrochloric acid.  On impact, the glass ampoule breaks to release its contents from which smoke emits to mark the point of impact.

The four tail fins, comprising two sheets of metal which are slotted and interlocked together, are partly moulded into the concrete at the tail end and are secured by two additional lengths of wire which run laterally through the eye holes and are fastened by twisting the ends of the wire together.

ZC 50 Concrete Practice Bomb Types I and II

Overall Length: 43 and 1/2 inches

Body Length: 27 inches

Body Diameter: 7 and 3/4 inches
Tall Length: 16 inches
Total Weight: 50kg (approx.)


Color: Sand color overall.  Stenciled on body:
-Type I "ehk elo3"
-Type II "ehk all3"


Construction: In Type I the nose, body, and tail cone are formed of fine concrete all in one piece.  The four tail fins of sheet metal are filled to the tail cone when concrete is poured.  On either side of the bomb are two cavities, which are covered by wooden slats.  Cavities contain paper cartridges holding chalk and an ampoule of chlorosulphonic acid or fuming hydrochloric acid.

The Type II is very similar, the differences merely being to allow for the insertion of a tracer candle, in the tail and a charging head for its initiation.

Two steel wires lead from the fuze into the central stiffening tube and thence to a pair of terminal sockets in the tail cone.  The tracer is fired by the terminal sockets on release from the plane and burns for approximately 55 seconds.



Suspension: Vertical or horizontal








PC 1000 RS EX Practice Bomb

Overall Length: 7 feet 2 and 3/4 inches

Body Length: 3 feet 9 inches

Body Diameter: 1 foot 3 and 1/2 inches
Total Weight: 993 kilograms



Color and Markings: Bomb body: reddish brown.  Space, rocket container and tail: mustard.

Markings die stamped:
403
unt 18, 7, 43
403
hh9
43CP03

Stenciled:
scharf
unt 18, 2, 43
499410
PC 1000 RS
EX


Construction: The body of the PC 1000 RS EX is identical in construction to the PC 1000 RS.  In place of the normal explosive charge, the cavity contains sand or some comparable material as a substitute.  The fuzing system consists of the 49 BI EX charging head and the 49 BII EX pyrotechnic fuze for igniting the rocket motor.

There are 19 rockets in the rocket motor.  Six are 22 and 1/2 inches long and have 2 and 15/16 inches diameter; 12 are 20 and 7/8 inches long with a diameter of 2 and 15/16 inches; and 1 is 11 and 1/4 inches long with a diameter of 2 and 15/16 inches.  Total weight of the rocket unit is 263 kilograms.

The tail is 2 feet 4 inches in large diameter and 1 foot 10 inches in small diameter.



Suspension: Horizontal by means of a H-type lug secured to a suspension band.






ZC 250kg Concrete, Practice, Smoke Bomb

Overall Length: 65 inches

Body Length: 49.5 inches

Body Diameter: 14.5 inches
Tall Length: 25 inches
Tail Width: 20 inches
Total Weight: 250 kilograms

Color: Bright green overall



Construction: The body of the bomb is concrete reinforced steel.  Evenly spaced about the body, though staggered, are six cavities, each 13 inches long and 2 and 1/2 inches wide, housing glass ampoules 10 and 1/2 inches long and 1 inch in diameter.  They are enclosed is a protective wrapping of 1/4 inch thick impure chalk retained in a gummed paper wrapping.  The ampoules are retained within their cavities by 1/8 inch thick wood covers, each secured flush with the surface of the bomb body by two screws; the wood protective cover in each case is weakened centrally by a 1/16 inch deep saw-cut.  Each glass ampoule is stated to contain 142 grams of chlorosulphonic acid, containing probably as impurities, small quantities of sulphur and ferrous sulphate; fuming hydrochloric acid is said to be an alternative.  On impact the glass ampoules break to release their contents and smoke arises.  The sheet steel tail has four fins.



Suspension: Horizontal by means of an "eye" bolt.

Next Time: Pyrotechnics (Part 1)

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

German Explosive Ordnance - Incendiary, Smoke, and Practice Bombs (Part 3)

German Explosives

NC 50 Smoke Bomb

Overall Length: 26.75 inches

Body Length: 10.75 inches

Body Diameter: 7.75 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.16 to 0.24 inches
Tall Length: 16 inches
Tail Width: 11 inches

Filling: Light grey smoke-producing powder, smelling strongly of camphor.

Total Weight: 109 pounds



Construction: The body is a normal 50-kg bomb seamless steel tube with a cast steel nose welded to it.  The circular hole in the wall of the bomb which normally gives access to the fuze pocket is covered over by a steel disk welded flush with the bomb wall.  The base plug is secured to the bomb body by eight screws and is pierced by hole by four brackets welded to the fuze and the base plug.  Beneath the plug and covering the filling is a thin metal plate also pierced by five holes; 4.5 inches from the tip; from there, four one-inch white bands run back to the shoulder.

"N.C.50" is stenciled on the body and is believed to be an abbreviation for "Nebel Cylindrisch 50kg" (Smoke Cylinder 50kg)

NC 50 WC NC D/SEE - Smoke Marker Bomb

Overall Length: 3 feet 7 inches

Body Diameter: 7.75 inches
Tail Width: 11 inches

Filling: Smoke producing composition


Color: Bomb casing is painted aluminum; the tail is olive green; the protruding portion of the central cylinder is yellow.  "NC 50 WC" is stenciled transversely across the body just forward of the shoulder. "Nich fur Senkrecht-Aufhangun" stenciled longitudinally from nose after to the other marking.


Construction: The bomb consists of four main parts: the outer casing, tail cone, nose and a central cylinder which protrudes from the nose and extends after to the forward part of the tail cone where it is terminated by a fuze housing crimped to it.  This fuze housing extends the full length of the tail cone.  The outer casing is empty except for metal ribs and braces which locate and support the central tube.  The four tail fins are tack welded to this cone.

The central cylinder contains the smoke producing agent.  It is held in the outer casing by six bolts at the nose; a rubber washer waterproofs this joint.  The igniter is contained in a pocket at the rear end of the central tube immediately below the fuze.  The fuze housing is located by four set screws to insure that the correct distance is maintained between the flash cap and the igniter.

The fuze has a spring loaded strike held away from the flash cap by retaining ball.  They are held in place by a release rod passing down through the center of the striker.  At the tail end, this rod passes through a circular plate and is held by a split pin.  The circular plate is fastened by three screws to a drogue plate which is lipped over the tail fins.  It is fastened to the tail by four projections from the fins which pass through the slots and are then bent over.  Waterproofing at the tail is provided by a rubber seal.  On impact with the water, the tail drogue is wrenched off and carries the fuze release rod with it.  The fuze fires and the smoke producing agent is ignited.  When the bomb floats to the surface, heat destroys the rubber seal and smoke is emitted.



Suspension: Vertical or horizontal



Similar Bombs:
-NC D/See: This bomb, a floating 50kg smoke bomb, is constructed similarly to the NC 50 WC.  It gives off a white fog or smoke.  The overall weight is approximately 22kg.  It is fitted with the AZ (46) fuze.  As the fuze is installed when the bomb is shipped, the safety precautions must be highly respected.








NC 250 S Smoke Bomb

Overall Length: 5 feet 3 inches

Body Diameter: 14 and 1/2 inches

Wall Thickness: 1/16 inches
Tall Length: 25 inches
Tail Width: 20 inches

Filling: Mixture of chlorosulphonic acid (40%) and sulphur trioxide (60%)


Color: The body is silver, the tail olive drab.  The forward part of the nose, a 3/4-inch stripe part-way back on the nose, and a 1-inch stripe just aft of the suspension lug are painted white.  "NC 250 S" is stenciled aft of the second band.


Construction: The NC 250 S is similar in size and construction to the German C 250 (Flam) bomb.  The central tube contains a wooden block 20 and 1/2 inches long and 4 and 1/4 inches in diameter, cardboard disks, and a circular block of TNT 9 inches long and 4 and 1/4 inches in diameter.  The bomb is fuzed with a ElAZ (26) which has a normal gaine and one picric acid pellet.  The fuze operates directly on impact detonating the burster charge of TNT in the central tube.  The main filling is scattered to give a large concentration of smoke.



Suspension: Horizontal.



Remarks: The filling is a corrosive mixture which, when in contact with the air, emits white smoke.






SD 1 Type Practice Bomb

Color: The specimen examined was unpainted and devoid of markings.



Construction: The bomb resembles the SD 1 H.E. bomb and is of approximately the same weight and size.  The body is constructed of concrete reinforced with irregularly shaped metal chippings.  A normal eight-vane type of tail unit is secured to the body by a bolt embedded int he concrete cast.

In the nose of the bomb, a length of concrete-filled metal tubing is inserted to the resemble the AZ (73) A fuze.  Lengths of iron wire soldered to the tail securing bolt and tot he metal tubing in the nose of the bomb serve to strengthen the cast concrete.







SD 2 Practice Bomb

Color: The body, metal band and drogue of the specimen examined are painted black, and are devoid of markings.



Construction: The bomb consists of a normal unfilled SD 2 bomb case and is secured by a nut and bolt.  Welded vertically to the upper surface of this band is a length of steel tubing.

Secured to the steel tubing is a short length of steel cable which is attached to the normal drogue retainer.  The drogue is formed of a curved sheet steel pressing.

Next Time: Incendiary, Smoke, and Practice Bombs (Part 4)

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

German Explosive Ordnance - Incendiary, Smoke, and Practice Bombs (Part 2)

German Explosives

250kg Flam C250A, Flam C250B, and Flam C250C Incendiary Bomb

Overall Length: 64 inches

Body Length: 46.75 inches

Body Diameter: 14 inches
Tall Length: 24.75 inches
Tail Width: 20 inches

Filling: Oil incendiary mixture and TNT bursting charge.


Color: These bombs are painted dark green overall, with two 5/8-inch red stripes, one around the nose and one around the middle of the body.  "Flam C 250 A (B or C)", and all four fins are similarly stamped.  The secondary markings depend upon type of filling used in the respective bombs.


Construction: The bomb, containing an oil mixture, consists of a steel body made of two longitudinal halves welded and crimped together.  The three bombs are almost identical, differing only in minor constructional details.  The tail assembly differs considerably from normal German construction.  The four fins are riveted directly to the after coned portion of the bomb body and are secured to each other by 5/8-inch tubular struts.

250kg KC 250 Flam Incendiary Bomb

Overall Length: 63 inches

Body Length: 40 inches

Body Diameter: 14.5 inches
Wall Thickness: 1/16 inches
Tall Length: 25 inches
Tail Width: 21 inches

Filling: Oil incendiary mixture and TNT bursting charge.

Weight of filling: 50 kilograms
Total weight: 110 kilograms
Charge/Weight ratio: 45.5%


Color: The body and tail assemblies are painted dark grey overall.


Construction: The bomb body consists of a steel cylinder to which is welded an ogival nose section of light sheet steel.  A cast steel nose piece is welded to the sheet steel nose section.  A truncated cone of sheet steel is welded to the base of the body cylinder and is fitted to the after portion of the central exploder tube.  A steel tube runs from the nose of the bomb to a point on the fuze pocket just above the bottom of the fuze.  An anti-break-up rod is placed in this tube and serves to activate the fuze if the regular trembler switches fail to function.

The tail assembly consists of a cone to which four fins are welded.  The cone is riveted to the after end of the body cylinder.  Bar-type struts reinforce the four tail fins.



Operation: On impact, the fuze functions and fires the 1.25kg TNT charge.  This explosion not only breaks open the case but it ignites the petroleum filling and allows the charcoal and magnesium filled tubes to mix with the petroleum.  This mixture creates an extremely hot fire and a very difficult fire to control.



Suspension: This bomb may be suspended either horizontally or vertically by a single suspension eyebolt.









500kg Flam C500 Incendiary Bomb

Overall Length: 65.5 inches

Body Length: 62 inches

Body Diameter: 18 inches
Wall Thickness: 1/16 inches
Tall Length: 21.5 inches
Tail Width: 24 inches

Filling: Oil incendiary mixture 30% benzine, 70% petroleum, with TNT bursting charge.

Total weight: 250 kilograms (approx.)


Color: The bomb and tail assembly are painted dark grey overall.  Two 7/8-inch red bands are painted around the body 9.5 and 33 inches from the nose.


Construction: This bomb consists of a cylindrical body to which are added a rounded nose section and a pointed tail section, all of sheet steel construction.  A single fuze pocket is located forward in the side of the bomb body.  A central exploder tube runs the length of the bomb case.  Two baffle plates are welded to the bomb body where the sections are welded together.

The four sheet steel tail fins are secured directly to the after cone of the body.  The fins are braced with bar-type struts.



Suspension: Horizontal by means of an "eye" type suspension lug.



Remarks: This bomb, when stenciled "ABB 500" in black letters, is used as a container for 1-kg incendiary bombs.






50kg Brand C50A Incendiary Bomb

Overall Length: 43.2 inches

Body Length: 30 inches

Body Diameter: 8 inches
Wall Thickness: 1/8 inches
Tall Length: 16 inches
Tail Width: 7.8 inches

Filling: Benzine 86%; phosphorus 4%; pure rubber 10%

Weight of filling: 30 pounds (approx.)
Total weight: 90 pounds (approx.)


Color: The bomb body is painted dark grey or green overall, with the rear of the bomb painted red and a red band around the center of the bomb body.  The tail assembly may be painted dark grey or grey-green with longitudinal yellow stripes on the tail cone.

On those bombs in which the filling is enclosed in glass, a drawing of a glass container is stenciled in red on the bomb body between the fuze and the nose, on the side remote from the fuze.



Construction: The bomb body consists of a single piece of steel forging, very similar to the SC 50kg Grade 1 bomb, with a single fuze pocket located forward in the side of the bomb casing.

The tail assembly consists of four sheet metal fins and a tail cone, which is attached to the collar on the base of the bomb body by screws.



Suspension: This bomb may be suspended either horizontally or vertically by means of a single eyebolt.



Remarks: Later models of this bomb have the phosphorus filling contained in a glass cylinder inside the bomb body.

50kg Brand C50B Incendiary Bomb

Overall Length: 43.5 inches (approx.)

Body Length: 30.5 inches

Body Diameter: 8 inches
Wall Thickness: 1/16 to 1/8 inches
Tall Length: 17 inches
Tail Width: 7.8 inches

Filling: White phosphorus

Total weight: 77 pounds (approx.)


Color: The bomb is painted light fawn overall with a red priming coat.  The following markings were found on the specimen recovered:

-On the bomb body:
"Brand C 50 B" (black).
Red band 5/8 inch wide.
"10 PQ" (red).
Bottle 3 inches long (red).


-On the bomb nose:
Red band 3/4 inch wide
"Brand C 50 B" stamped on nose plug.



Construction: This bomb consists of a rolled sheet steel cylinder, seam welded longitudinally.  The base and nose portions are welded circumferentially to the bomb body.  The nose portion of this bomb is much larger than that of the Brand C50A, and the base plate filling cap is of the female type with two studs projecting rearwards.

The sheet steel tail assembly is secured over and to the base of the bomb body by means of two screws which enter the vertical arms of the L-shaped brackets, welded to the shoulder formed at the base of the bomb.  Four positioning plates are also welded to this shoulder and aid in positioning the tail on the bomb.

The bomb houses a single fuze pocket, located forward on the side of the bomb body.  An extension tube extends from the nose of the bomb to the forward side of the fuze pocket.  A wooden plug was found in the tube of the recovered specimen of this bomb.



Operation: When the impact fuze functions, the detonation of the picric ring in the fuze pocket splits open the bomb casing, ejects some or all of the incendiary filling, and breaks the bottle containing the white phosphorus, which ignites the incendiary filling.



Suspension: This bomb is fitted for horizontal suspension only.






250kg Brand C250A Type I and Type II Incendiary Bomb

Type I

Overall Length: 64 inches

Body Length: 46.7 inches

Body Diameter: 14.5 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.3 inches
Tall Length: 25 inches
Tail Width: 20 inches


Type II

Overall Length: 64 inches

Body Length: 46.3 inches

Body Diameter: 14.5 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.3 inches
Tall Length: 25 inches
Tail Width: 20 inches



Type of Filling:
-Petroleum 87.7%
-Polystyrene 11.7%
-Phosphorus 0.5%


Color: The body and tail are painted blue-grey overall with a 1-inch red band located just aft of the side suspension eyebolt.  The after end, from shoulder to base plate, has only the usually red priming coat.  Between the red band and the rear fuze pocket are the following words stenciled in red: "Achtung Vor Sonnen Strahlung Schutzen" (not to be stored in the sun).  Immediately below this is "Brand C 250 A" in black letters.  Further markings are found between the fuze pocket and the shoulder.



Construction:
-Type I: This bomb consists of a one-piece forging with a female-type base plate.  A rubber washer is fitted under this plate, but is not visible externally.

-Type II: This bomb is of welded construction with a female-type base plate.  A thick black rubber washer projects about 1/2 inch from under the edge of the plate.

The filling is contained in the bomb body in the form of a thickened liquid fuel.  Supported in the filling by four metal bands fitted to a wooden framework are 16 brown glass bottles in four rows, containing a very brittle form of white phosphorus.



Operation: On impact, the fuze fires the gaine and the picric burster pellets, breaking the case and scattering the filling over a radius of about 70 yards.  The filling ignites spontaneously, burning with a great deal of smoke.



Suspension: This bomb may be suspended either horizontally or vertically by an eyebolt.

Next Time: Incendiary, Smoke, and Practice Bombs (Part 3)

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

German Explosive Ordnance - Paravane Bomb, and Incendiary, Smoke, and Practice Bombs (Part 1)

German Explosives

Aircraft Towed Paravane Bomb (2kg)

Overall Length: 15.7 inches

Length of Bomb: 3.4 inches

Body Diameter: 3.2 inches
Wall thickness: 3/8 inches
Total Weight: 6.5 pounds


Color: The tail and paravane cone are painted dark green; the body is yellow with a red stripe.


Construction: The assembly is comprised of the paravane body, the bomb, and the modified (70) B fuze.

The paravane body is a sheet-steel cone, formed of two sections welded together.  At its rear end, four sheet steel tail fins are welded to the cone.

Equally spaced around the cone, forward of the tail fins, are drilled four longitudinal rows of six 1/8-inch holes, two of these rows being drilled slightly forward of the other two.  The purpose of these holes is not known.

Towards the end of the cone are welded four equally spaced metal planes of airfoil cross-section.  They are offset to the longitudinal axis of the cone.  To one plane is welded a metal eye which forms an anchor for the towing lug.

The front end of the cone has a T slot, forming two lugs, to each of which is welded a boss, one boss being screw-threaded to accept the tensioning screw, the whole forming a circlip by means of which the bomb is secured to the paravane body.

The bomb consists of a cylindrical iron casting open at one end and filled with H.E.  The filling is shaped to accommodate the fuze body and gaine.

A seating is formed within the upper wall of the casting for the (70) B fuze.  Above this seating the wall is built up to form a bayonet type socket to secure the fuze in a similar manner to that in S.D. 2-kg bombs.


Suspension: The bomb is suspended horizontally by a boss welded to the forward end of the cone.

Incendiary, Smoke, and Practice Bombs

Introduction


Incendiary, smoke, and practice bombs are, for the most part, like the high-explosive bombs in appearance but have for their main filling elements other than high explosive.

Incendiary bombs range in size from the 1-kg magnesium bomb to the 500-kg oil-filled flam.  The smaller types are ordinarily carried in containers and the larger bombs are carried in bomb racks like a similar size high-explosive bomb.

The 1- and 2-kg magnesium bombs often have a small antipersonnel charge incorporated in the bomb to discourage fire fighters.  The larger types, also, usually have a small explosive charge, but this is for the purpose of scattering the incendiary mixture.

Smoke bombs also are usually of conventional size and appearance.  They have a fuze, usually mechanical, designed to operate on impact, which ignites a smoke producing composition.

Practice bombs are cheaply constructed.  The great majority are built of concrete, a notable exception being the rocket assisted practice bomb which is almost identical except for explosive charge with the high-explosive bomb.  They are built to simulate the service bomb in handling and ballistics.  Most practice bombs have either flare or a smoke producing attachment incorporated into the bomb in such a way as to mark the point of impact of the bomb.








1-kg and 1.3-kg Incendiary Bombs

Overall Length: 13.54 inches
Body Length: 9.75 inches
Body Diameter: 2 inches
Wall Thickness: 3/8 inches
Tail Length: 4.75 inches
Tail Width: 2 inches

Type of Filling: Thermite


Color and Markings: The bomb is unpainted magnesium; the tail is dark green.  The B1EZA and the B1.3EZA may have a red A stenciled on the nos and probably will have a Z stamped on the body near the tail.  The B1EZB and the B1.3EZB may have a red B stenciled on the nose and a Z stamped on the body near the tail.


Construction: The body is a cylindrical alloy casting, threaded internally at the nose to receive the fuze holder and fuze.  The after body is tapered to receive the sheet metal, three-finned drum-shrouded tail assembly.  The 1.3-kg and 1-kg bombs are identical except that the nose of the former is made of steel, while that of the latter is of light alloy.


Suspension: These bombs are carried in a number of different sizes and types of containers.


Remarks: There are three bombs to each set, as follows:

1. B1E and B1.3E - Fuze ignites an incendiary mixture.

2. B1EZA and B1.3EZA - Bomb is identical to 1, but a penthrite filled gaine, threaded into the tail, detonated thermally in about 5 minutes.

3. B1EZB and B1.3EZB - These are similar to 1, but a penthrite filled pocket in the nose detonates thermally after about 30 seconds to 5 minutes.







2-kg B2EZ Incendiary Bomb

Overall length: 20.75 inches
Body Length: 12.25 inches
Body Diameter: 2 inches
Wall Thickness: 7/16 inches
Tail Length: 9.5 inches
Tail Width: 2 inches

Filling:
-Incendiary: Thermite
-H.E.: Penthrite, and Wax


Color and Markings: The incendiary body is painted olive green, the tail dark green, and the H.E. container black, unpainted, or dark red.  A Z is stamped on the body near the tail, and a red Z is stenciled on the nose.



Construction: This bomb consists of three main components: a tail unit, an incendiary body, and an H.E. attachment.  The incendiary body is tapered at the after end to fit into the long tail cone and is reduced in diameter at the forward end to fit into the steel H.E. container.  A steel plug is fitted into the after end of the incendiary body, while at the forward end are located an igniter pellet, a distance piece, a relay pellet and a black powder separating charge and housing.

The H.E. container accommodates the penthrite charge and the fuze.  The fuze is armed by a long arming rod which passes through the tail section and locks a spring-out safety pin.  A metal wind cap, or drogue, is attached to the after end of the rod.


Suspension: These bombs are carried in several different sizes and types of containers.






2.2-kg B2.2EZ Incendiary Bomb

Overall length: 20.75 inches
Body Length: 9.25 inches
Body Diameter: 2 inches
Wall Thickness: 3/8 inches
Tail Length: 4.75 inches
Tail Width: 2 inches

Filling:
-Incendiary: Thermite
-H.E.: TNT


Color and Markings: The incendiary bomb proper is painted green overall, the tail unit is painted dark green; the sleeve is unpainted and the H.E. container is painted bright red.  The letter Z is stamped on the incendiary body near the tail.


Construction: This bomb is similar to the 1-kg incendiary bomb, with modifications to the fuze container.  These alternations are: external threading on the nose to receive a sleeve; an additional hole to receive a spring-out safety pin; the addition of a train of burning composition leading to the sleeve.  The sleeve contains a length of safety fuze wound on a metal spool.  The H.E. container is threaded to the base of the sleeve and contains a detonator to which the safety fuze leads.


Suspension: These bombs are carried in several different sizes and types of containers.





Sprengbrand C50 (50-kg Incendiary Bomb)

Overall length: 42.5 inches
Body Length: 28 inches
Body Diameter: 8 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.15 inches
Tail Length: 16 inches
Tail Width: 11.3 inches

Filling:
-Burster Charge: TNT
-Fire Pots: Thermite in electron containers
-Triangular: Thermite containers

Weight of filling: 20 pounds TNT
Total weight: 75 pounds (approx.)


Color and Markings: The body and tail may be painted blue-grey or dark green, while the base plug is red.  The small incendiary elements are painted brown, while the firepots may be bright red or green.


Construction: This bomb is similar tot he 50-kg SC Type III in its external features, differing only in that (1) it has a single-piece machined steel case; (2) the base plate is attached by aluminium shear screws instead of steel screws; (3) a filling plug is located in the nose of the bomb.  The bomb is filled with TNT as far back as the fuze pocket.  A steel diaphragm just aft of the fuze pocket divides the bomb into two sections.  In the fuze pocket is located a bakelite gaine containing a black powder biscuit and a steel-encased gaine containing a delay pellet and detonator, the whole assembly being held in place in the base of the fuze pocket by a leaf spring.  A hole leads through the after side of the fuze pocket and through the steel diaphragm to a silk bag of black powder, which serves both as the igniting and expelling charge for the remaining contents of the bomb body.

The incendiary units are placed around a long triangular hollow steel column.  Three double grids are placed in annular fashion around this column.  Each pair of grids has four orange-colored biscuits of highly flammable material pressed between them.  These biscuits are ignited by the flash from the black powder expelling charge and, in turn, ignite the small incendiary units directly and the quickmatches of the six large units.  The explosion of the black powder charge also shears the aluminium screws securing the base plate and ejects the incendiary elements over an area of about 100 yards.  About 1 second after expulsion, the delay element in the booster reaches the detonator and fires the TNT charge in the nose of the bomb.



Suspension: The bomb may be suspended either horizontally or vertically by an eyebolt.



Remarks: The bomb contains, besides the TNT charge, 6 fire pots and 67 small triangular metal incendiary elements.

Next Time: Incendiary, Smoke, and Practice Bombs (Part 2)

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