British Explosive Ordnance - Obsolete Bombs

British Explosive Ordnance

Obsolete Bombs Introduction


The various bombs of different types included in this section have all been declared obsolete, but because of the possibility that they still may be encountered, it is deemed desirable to give complete information regarding them.

Older obsolete bombs, included only as a matter of interest, are listed in chart form at the end of the chapter.









AT 9lb, Mk I  (Obsolete)

Overall length: 14 inches
Maximum body diameter: 4 and 1/2 inches squared

Total weight: 8.5 pounds
Charge/weight ratio: 80%

Fuzing: Tail Fuze No.847
  

Color and markings:  Dark green overall,
1/2-inch red band around nose.

  

Body Construction: The body is made of thin metal, approximately rectangular in shape, having a square cross section with rounded corners.  It tapers slightly from the rear toward the nose.  The body is closed at the nose end by a front cover housing a nose cup, which is taped and cemented in place.  The nose cup of the rear bomb forms a safety device for the fuze in the front bomb of a pair, as bombs are dropped in pairs.  The rear cover is located approximately in the middle of the bomb.  The bomb incorporates a steel, cone-shaped charge.


Tail Construction: The tail is integral with the body, being only a continuation of the thin metal case.  The rear bomb of a pair has a retarder plate to pull the rear bomb free of the front one when dropped from the container.  The tail also has a safety tube of light-gauge metal with a  cardboard inner sleeve, forming a safety device for the fuze of the rear bomb of a pair.  A locating plate near the rear of the safety tube locates the tube in the tail of the bomb.

 
Suspension: These bombs are carried in the 250lb Small Bomb Container, which holds 24 bombs.  They are loaded in pairs, with the nose of the rear bomb houses in the tail of the front bomb.


Filling:
-Exploder: CE pellet housed in the bottom of the exploder container
-Filling: Nobel's explosive No.808, with shaped charge effect.


Remarks: The bomb is designed for use against tanks and armored vehicles.  It will blow a hole approximately nine inches in diameter in armor plating 2 inches thick, and is effecting at striking angles up to 45 degrees.

The 9lb AT Practice Bomb Mk I is approximately the same shape, size, and filled weight, and has the same approximate ballistic characteristics.  However, it has neither exploder nor detonator.  Its body breaks up on impact with the target to release a white filling, clearly visible from the air.

HE 20lb Mk I (Obsolete)

   

Overall length: 25 inches
Body length (w/o tail adapter): 11 inches (approx.)
Body diameter: 5.175 inches
Tail length (w/ tail adapter): 12 inches (approx.)
Tail width: 6 inches (approx.)

Total weight: 27 pounds (approx.)
Charge/weight ratio: 20% (approx.)

Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.16
  

Color and markings:  Dark green overall,
1/2-inch red band and 1 inch light green band around nose.

  

Body Construction: The bomb has a steel, semi-steel or malleable-iron body, hollow and open at both ends, with the forward end threaded internally to receive the nose adapter, and the after end internally threaded to take the tail adapter.  The nose adapter has three different-sized threads, to take the detonator-holder and the exploder container from the rear,a nd the pistol from the front.  The flange of the nose adapter is externally threaded to receive a screw-on pistol cover.  The tail adapter is tapered to conform to the rearward streamlining of the body, with a central bore threaded to receive the tail rod.


Tail Construction: The bomb has a wooden tail cone, conforming to the streamlined shape of the body.  Two diametrical saw-cuts at right angles extend from the after end, over a slightly greater length than that of the tail vanes, to accommodate the four sheet-metal tail vanes, which are made in integral pairs.  The tail cone is bored axially to take the tail rod, and fits into the cavity in the tail adapter.


Suspension: A wrought-iron or mild steel suspension lug is riveted to the bomb body.


Filling:
-Exploder: 3 sold and 1 perforate CE pellets.
-Filling: 5 pounds (approx.) TNT


Remarks: This bomb was intended for attacking personnel, air strips, and road transports.

RL 112lb Mks V, VI, and VIII (Obsolete)
   

   

Overall length: 18 inches
Body diameter: 8 inches
Wall thickness: Solid body

Total weight: 10 pounds

Fuzing: Nose Pistol No. 8 Mk I, or Nose Pistol No.19 Mks I and II; Tail Pistol No.5B Mks I and II
  

Color and markings: Yellow overall,
1/2 inch red band around nose,
1 inch light green band around body.

  

Body Construction: The body of these bombs is a single streamlined casting, steel for Mks V and VII and iron for Mk VI, threaded at the nose and tail to take adapters for the central exploder tube.


Tail Construction:
Mk V: The tail of the Bomb Mk V consists of four tail fins, which fit over the body and are fastened in place with screws.  Two sets of box-type struts reinforce the tail fins.


Mks VI and VII: The tail assembly of the Bombs Mk VI and Mk VII consists of a tail cone, which slides over the after end of the bomb body and sis secured by a locknut on the exploder tube.  Four tail fins are riveted on the cone and are held in place by two sets of box-type struts.


Suspension: The Bomb Mk V has a U-shaped eye-bolt secured to the body with screws at the center of gravity.

The Bombs Mk VI and Mk VII have a U-shaped eye-bolt fastened to a suspension band around the center of gravity.


Filling:
-Exploder: TNT and CE pellets
-Filling: Amatol 80/20, or TNT
  

GP 120lb Mks I and II (Obsolete)
     

Overall length: 42.4 inches
Body length: 21.5 inches
Body diameter: 8.1 inches
Wall thickness: 0.5 inches
Tail length: 15.7 inches
Tail width: 8 inches

Total weight: 120 pounds (Amatol 80/20)
Charge/weight ratio: 25%

Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.19; Tail Pistol No.21
  

Color and markings:  Yellow overall,
1/2-inch red band around nose and 1 inch light green band around body,
longitudinal green bar on body and tail indicates explodering scheme..

  

Body Construction: The body is a streamlined steel casting or forging, threaded at the nose to take the 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, which is tapered to take the tail ring.  The exploder passes through this section also.


Tail Construction: A truncated cone fits over the rear section of body and is held to it by a locknut over the exploder tube.  Three mild-steel fins are fastened to the cone, and are reinforced by a cylindrical strut.


Suspension: The bomb uses a single suspension lug secured to the body by four screws.


Filling:
-Exploder: TNT and CE pellets
-Filling: 36.5 pounds TNT, or 30 pounds Amatol 80/20

 

GP 500lb Mks I, II and III (Obsolete)
     

Overall length: 68.7 inches
Body length: 35.7 inches
Body diameter: 13 inches
Wall thickness: 7/8 inches
Tail width: 13 inches

Total weight: 509 pounds (TNT)
Charge/weight ratio: 28%

Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.19; Tail Pistol No.17 or 22
Tail No.: No.1 Mk I (Mk III bomb only)
  

Color and markings:  Yellow overall,
1/2-inch red band around nose and 1 inch light green band around body,
light green bar on body and tail indicates explodering scheme..

  

Body Construction: The body is a streamlined steel casting or forging threaded at the nose to take the nose adapter, which holds the central exploder tube.  At the opposite end is a threaded base plug through which the exploder tube passes.  Welded to the after end of the body is a streamlined cone of thin metal, containing no explosive, which is tapered to take the tail ring.  The exploder also passes through this section.


Tail Construction: The tail has a truncated cone, which fits over the rear section of the body and is held to it by a locknut over the exploder tube.  Four mild-steel fins are fastened to the cone, and are reinforced by a cylindrical strut.


Suspension: The bomb is suspended by a single suspension lug secured to the body by four screws.


Filling:
-Exploder: TNT and CE pellets
-Filling: 143 pounds TNT, or 134 pounds Amatol 80/20

Remarks: The tail fins are usually painted red when time pistols are used.

HC 2000lb Mk I (Obsolete)

   
Overall length: 162 inches

Body length: 99.5 inches

Body diameter: 18.5 inches
Wall thickness: 0.19 inches
Tail length: 60 inches
Tail width: 18.6 inches

Total weight: 1842 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 73%

Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.27, 42, or 44
Tail No.: No.32 Mk I, or No.10 Mk I or II, or Parachute Attachment
  

Color and markings: Dark green overall,
1/2-inch red band 3 and 1/2 inches from front edge of cylindrical shell,
2-inch light green band 16 inches from edge.

Body Construction: The body consists of a cylindrical steel shell with a hollow, conical nose piece welded to one end, parallel sides, and a closing plate bolted to an angle ring which is welded in position a short distance within the other end.  A radial strengthening band is welded internally at the center of gravity, and its ends are welded to a steel block.  Holes tapped through the shell and steel block receive the suspension lug screws.  Side pockets for supplementary fuzing are present near the base end, but are not used.  The shell is strengthened longitudinally by two channel beams welded to each end of a central steel block and to the shell interior.


Tail Construction: The Tail No.32 Mk I assembly consists of a cylinder of light-gauge metal with a metal tray secured in its forward end and a strengthening ring in its open rear end.  The tray has a series of equispaced bayonet dogs for attaching to the body bayonet joints welded to it.  The cylinder has a number of openings to give it stability.

The parachute attachment has a parachute 5 feet, 6 inches in diameter, attached to a metal tray having bayonet dogs for attaching it to the body.  The parachute is retained by waterproofed fabric and a retaining pin.  The retaining pin is attached to a static cord stitched on the outside of the last protective panel, and connected to the bomb carrier or aircraft.  On release the cord pulls the retaining pin and chute free, and breaks off from the plane when the chute is extended.
 

Suspension: The bomb is suspended by a single suspension lug bolted to the body and an internal steel block at the center of gravity.  The screw holes are closed by transit screws until the bomb is to be used, at which time the lug is attached.
  

Explosive Components:
Exploders: A central exploder tube extends from the nose exploder container.  The tube contains eight 33 and 1/4 ounce TNT exploders.  The exploder container contains a 9 ounce TNT exploder.

Filling: 1340lb Amatol 60/40 sealed at each end with an approved composition


Remarks: This bomb may be fitted with a nose attachment of light-gauge metal to retard the bomb in flight.  It consists of a cylinder fitting over the forward end of the body shell and projecting forward beyond it around the conical nose piece.  Two side fuzing pockets are usually not used, but might contain the Time Pistol No.47.

 

AS 35lb Mks I and II (Obsolete)

Overall length: 29.2 inches

Body length: 17.2 inches

Body diameter: 7 inches
Wall thickness: 0.064 inches
Tail length: 17 inches (approx.)
Tail width: 7 inches

Total weight: 35 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 46%

Fuzing: Nose Fuze No.866
  

Color and markings: Dark green overall,
1/2-inch red band and 1-inch light green band around body.

Body Construction: The bomb has parallel sides, with a nose adapter and a tapered rear section.  A tail adapter secures the tail to the body.  The explosive charge is cone shaped, employing the principle of Munroe shaped charge.  A cylindrical nose attachment is welded onto the nose adapter by four tack welds.  The exploder is in the rear of the body, and is initiated by a flash from the nose fuze, communicated through the supporting tube extending from the nose cavity to the exploder.


Tail Construction: The tail consists of a long hollow tube with a cylindrical strut attached to it by six fins.  The tail threads into the tail adapter, and is secured by a locking screw.  The six fins are formed by three sets of W-shaped supports welded to the tail tube.
 
Suspension: The Bomb Mk I has a single lug for suspension in aircraft.  The Mk II has no lug, as it is intended to be fired from shipboard.
  

Explosive Components:
Exploder: CE pellets
Filling: 16lb RDX/TNT 60/40.  The after end is sealed by a 1/4-inch topping of TNT.

Remarks: The Bomb Mk I was designed for use by Coastal Command and was intended to be dropped from aircraft.  The Bomb Mk II has no suspension lug, and is intended for spigot projection from ships.



 






DC 450lb Mk VII (Obsolete)

Overall length: 67.25 inches
Body length: 27.75 inches

Body diameter: 17.5 inches
Tail length: 32 inches (approx.)
Tail width: 17.5 inches

Total weight: 450 pounds
Charge/weight ratio: 64%

Fuzing: Mk X** pistol and depth adjuster
  

Color and markings: Dark green overall with circumferential red and green bands

Body Construction: The body consists of a welded cylindrical case, closed by two covers connected by a central tube called the primer tube.  This tube, housing the primer, pistol, and depth adjuster, has an internal diameter of 3.5 inches.  Three lifting eyes with rings are provided, one on the cover at the primer end, and two on the cover at the opposite end.  The cover at the primer end has two filling holes which are closed by bungs.  It may or may not have a nose attachment and tail.  The bomb is carried on aircraft with the primer end forward, except when fitted with the parachute attachment, in which case the pistol and depth adjuster are forward.


Nose Attachment: The bomb may use a hemispherical hollow nose held on by the side straps, which also secure the tail assembly.


Tail Construction: The tail, when fitted, consists of a cylindrical strut attached to a hollow tail cone by four fins.  Three brackets, equispaced around the cone, are fitted to take the ends of the straps which secure the nose and tail attachments, both of which break off on impact with water.  The bomb may have a parachute attachment on the primer end if dropped from high-speed aircraft.

 
Suspension: The bomb is suspended by a single lug on a suspension band around the center of gravity.


Explosive Components:
Filling: 290lb Amatol

IB 25lb Mks I and II (Obsolete)

Overall length: 32.6 inches
Body diameter: 5.03 inches

Tail length: 13.55 inches

Total weight: 25 pounds

Fuzing: Simple impact striker
  

Color and markings: Dull red overall,
two 1/2-inch black bands separated by 1/2-inch red band painted around the nose.

Description: The Bomb Mk I consists of a cylindrical steel tube secured to a hollow, sharp-pointed nose by a nose adapter (built up externally to streamlined form by a cardboard fairing), a column of seven closed containers, termed fire-pots, accommodated in the body tube, a flanged base adapter which affords a mounting for a cap holder, a tail cone with a cylindrical tail vane secured to it by four vane supports, and a tail tube which accommodates a striker pellet, with a shear wire and creep spring, and a safety rod.

Each of the seven fire-pots consists of a cylindrical container made of magnesium alloy and formed with a central tube, which communicates, through a fire hole, with a recess in a central boss on the base of the container.  The container is closed by a magnesium alloy lid, which has a shallow central recess in its outer side.  Holes through he lid place this recess in communication with the interior of the container.  The ignition cap contains a layer of gunpowder and a layer of detonating composition.

The central tube of each of the fire-pots houses a delay charge and is surrounded by a delay charge and a priming charge for the thermite and magnesium filling, which occupies the remainder of the annular chamber in the fire-pot.  A loop of quickmatch extends into the bore of the central tube and has its two ends carried out through the slots in the tube and through two of the holes in the lid.  An ejection charge of gunpowder is retained in the recess in a central boss of each fire-pot by a paper disc, which is secured in position by shellac.

The tail cone fits over the flange of the base adapter and is held assembled to the bomb body by a tail nut, which screws onto the rear end of the tail tube against a tail adapter.  The tail adapter fits into the rear end of the tail cone.

The striker pellet has a sharp point at the forward end and is held in the safe position by a shear wire passed through holes in the striker pellet and tail tube.  The ends of the shear wire are soldered to prevent removal.  The rear end of the striker pellet receives the forward threaded end of the safety rod.  The creep spring is house in the forward end of the tail tube and bears against the cap holder and the striker pellet.  The safety rod passes through the tail tube and is screwed into the threaded bore of the striker pellet.

The Bomb Mk II has only a slight difference in the tail plate.


Parachute Attachment: Either a Parachute Attachment No.1 Mk I or a No.1 Mk II may be used with this bomb.  The Attachment No.1 Mk I consists of a small parachute housed in a container of sheet metal, consisting of a cylindrical housing plate and a cover.  It fits loosely in the cylindrical strut of the bomb tail.  The chute is 15 inches in diameter and vented at the peak.  The Attachment No.1 Mk II is similar, except that it is housed in a collapsible cardboard container between cardboard packing discs.


Striker Attachment: There are two striker attachments, the No.1 Mk I, and the No.1 Mk II.  No.1 Mk I consists of a coupling fork, snatch rod, striker rod, coupling socket, and a retaining sleeve, which houses a spring.  The No.1 Mk II is similar, except that the coupling fork is fitted with a quick-release pin.


Functioning: Whent he bomb using the Parachute and Striker Attachments No.1 Mk I is released, the cover pulls the chute out.  The chute opens and pulls the snatch rod against the action of the spring until the striker rod retaining balls escape into the annular recess in the retaining sleeve.  The striker rod then moves down against the striker pellet.  On impact, the inertia of the rod and pellet combine to shear the shear wire, overcome the creep spring, and pierce the ignition cap, igniting the blowing charge and blowing the base adapter and complete tail and parachute assembly from the body tube.  The quickmatch, which passes through the lid and into the central tube of the rearmost magnesium alloy fire-pot, is also ignited, and, in turn, the quickmatch ignites the delay charges in and around the central tube of the fire-pot.

While the central tube delay charge is burning through, the outer delay charge initiates the surrounding priming charge, which, in turn, ignites the incendiary composition around it.  Meanwhile, the central delay charge burns through and fires the ejection charge in the base of the fire-pot.  This has the effect of ejecting the activated fire-pot from the bomb and also igniting the quickmatch of the second fire-pot, etc.  Each ejected fire-pot will continue to burn for approximately 10 minutes; the magnesium alloy container and lid being consumed.

Finally, the quickmatch in the lod closing the nose of the bomb is ignited by the last ejection charge and initiates the priming charge, which, in turn, ignites the incendiary composition of the nose, and provides an additional fire source.

When used with the Parachute and Striker Attachment No.1 Mk II, the parachute is blown out of the cylindrical shroud on the tail and the chute opens, freeing the striker mechanism.  Functioning after this is the same as that with Attachments No.1 Mk I.

Suspension: The bombs may be carried in a Small Bomb Container, or from a bomb carrier by a lug on a suspension band.


Explosive Components:
Filling: 1lb Thermite, and 5lb, 4oz Magnesium

IB 250lb Mks I and II (Obsolete)



Overall length (w/o fuze): 61 inches (approx.)
Body length: 34.1 inches

Body diameter: 12 inches
Tail length: 27.2 inches
Tail width: 11.7 inches
Fuel weight: 68 pounds

Total weight: 193 pounds

Fuzing: Nose Fuze No.36 Mk II with Ejector Charge No.2 Mk I
Tail No.: No.1 Mk I
  

Color and markings: Red overall,
two 2-inch black bands separated by a 2-inch bright red band near nose.

Description: The bomb has a cylindrical body with a hemispherical nose and parallel sides.  An ejector-charge container is screwed and cemented into the nose and takes the nose fuze.  The tail consists of a tail cone and a cylindrical strut attached to the cone by four fins.  The after end of the body is closed by a tail plate, which is lightly secured to the body.


Functioning: On impact, the fuze functions and ignites the gunpowder ejection charge, which in turn ignites the incendiary filling and ejects it with the tail and tail plate.


Suspension: The bomb is suspended by a single suspension lug.


Filling: The Bomb Mk I is filled with a phosphorus-rubber-benzene mixture.  The Bomb Mk II is filled with a "sticky flammable liquid."  The ejector charge consists of black powder.

Remarks: This bomb was intended primarily for attacking forested areas, and can be dropped from heights up to 8,000 feet.

Next Time: Target Identification Bombs

British Explosive Ordnance - Practice, Infantry Training, and Miscellaneous Bombs

British Explosive Ordnance

Practice Bombs Introduction


Included in this section are five sizes of practice bombs.  These are the only ones specifically designed for that purpose, although there are currently in use several practice bombs which are merely service bombs inert-loaded with sand, water, or a chalk/lime solution.  The standard practice bombs generally emit smoke as a spotting charge to indicate bombing accuracy.

Standard practice bombs are painted white overall with two light green bands painted around the center of the tail.  Inert-loaded service bombs used as practice are painted black.  Practice bombs containing an exploder have a red band painted around the rear portion of the body.







Practice 8lb, Mk I  (Service)

  

Overall length: 16 inches
Maximum body diameter: 4 inches

Total weight: 8 pounds (approx.)

Fuzing: None
  

Color and markings:  White overall,
two 1/2-inch green bands around after body.

  

Body Construction: The body consists of an asbestos cement cylinder, in the nose of which is cemented a glass flask containing about 1/2 pint of titanium tetrachloride.  The rear of the cylinder is hollow and acts as a tail unit.  A light metal suspension band is secured to the exterior of the bomb body.


Functioning: On impact, the bomb body and glass flask break up, releasing the titanium tetrachloride to form a smoke cloud.  The bomb contains no explosive.
  

Remarks: The bomb is designed for low-level training purposes against airfield targets, and is of such construction that it leaves no debris injurious to aircraft tires.

Practice 8.5lb Mks I, II, and III  (Service)

  

Overall length: 16 inches
Body length: 12 inches
Body diameter: 3 inches
Wall thickness: 0.5 inches
Tail length: 4 inches
Tail width: 3 inches

Total weight: 8.5 pounds

Fuzing: Integral simple impact arrangement with detonator burster No.28 Mk I
  

Color and markings:  White overall,
two 1/2-inch green bands 1/2 inches apart around after body.

  

Body Construction: The Bombs Mk I and Mk III have a molded plastic body, which is made in three parts: a nose section housing the striker, a center section housing the detonator burster and filling plug, and a rear section which is hollow and closed at the after end.  A perforated disc inside the rear section supports the end of the detonator burster holder.  The center part of the body is filled with lead-antimony balls, with the interstices between them, and all but a 10% air space in the rear section cone, filled with titanium tetrachloride, or gunpowder and magnesium turnings.

The striker head is retained in handling by a cotter pin, safety pin, and shear wire.  An annular groove inside the nose portion is filled with lead shot secured by wax.

The Bomb Mk II nose is fitted for an extension rod.


Tail Construction: The tail assembly consists of a tube molded into the rear section of the body, with a cylindrical strut attached to the tube by four fins.


Suspension: The bomb is suspended by a single suspension lug on a band, which fits in a groove in the body, and is secured in place by a securing screw.


Filling: Main filling:
Bombs Mk I and Mk II contain titanium tetrachloride, which, when exposed to the atmosphere, forms a cloud of white smoke, marking the point of impact.  The Bomb Mk III has a flash filling consisting of gunpowder, and magnesium turnings.
  

Remarks: This bomb is designed for use against certain targets where a bomb is required to break on impact without causing damage to the target.  Because of its low terminal velocity, the bomb is only suitable for low-altitude bombing.

The Bombs Mk I and Mk II have smoke charges for day use, while the Mk III has a flash filling for night use.

Practice 10lb Mk I (Service), Mk II (Obsolete), and Mk III (Service)
   

Overall length: 18 inches
Body diameter: 8 inches
Wall thickness: Solid body

Total weight: 10 pounds

Fuzing: Integral simple impact arrangement with detonator burster No.28 Mk I
  

Color and markings:  White overall,
two light green bands 1/2 inches wide around tail cone.

  

Body Construction: The bomb has a solid cast-iron nose with an axial bore housing the striker head and rod, with a guide bush threaded into the rear cavity, and integral rear threads to take the central plug.  The striker is retained by a cotter pin (removed when loaded on aircraft), safety pin, and shear wire extending through the striker rod and guide bush.  The central plug houses the central burster tube.


Tail Construction: The tail cone is closed at the rear by a conical tail plug, and at the front end by the central plug to which it is attached.  The central tube extends through the tail cone to the tail plug, and holds the detonator burster.  A tapped hole, fitted with a plug, is provided in the central plug for filling.  The tail tube, with four fins carrying a cylindrical strut, projects from the tail plug.  Its rear end is closed by a cap.


Suspension: The bomb is suspended by a single eyebolt, which screws into the bomb body opposite the cavity for suspension from a Light Series bomb carrier.


Filling:
-Smoke filling: Mk I: 1lb Titanium Tetrachloride, which forms a white cloud on exposure to atmosphere.
-Flash Filling: Mk III: 1lb mixture of gunpowder and magnesium turnings, which causes a brilliant white flash on detonation.
 

Remarks: The Bomb Mk I with its smoke filling is used for daytime practice operations.  The Bomb Mk III with its flash filling is used at night.  These bombs, because of the solid iron nose, should not be used against lightly armored targets.

Mk II had a plastic tail, but was not 'satisfactory'. so all were scrapped.

 

Practice 11.5lb Mk I (Service), and Mk II (Obsolete)
    

Overall length: 18 inches
Body diameter: 3 inches
Tail width: 3 inches

Total weight: 11.5 pounds

Fuzing: Integral simple impact arrangement with detonator burster No.28 Mk I

Color and markings:  White overall,
two 1/2-inch light green bands 1/2-inch apart around after body.

  

Description: The bomb consists of a nose casting, fitted with a striker assembly and a tail cone which constitutes a container for the filling, and is fitted with a central tube for a detonator burster.  The nose casting is made of iron, internally threaded at the rear to receive the spigot portion of a central plug which closes the forward end of the tail cone.  The interior of the nose is filled with lead, and has a clearance hole for the striker rod.  The striker is secured by a cotter pin (removed when loaded), a safety pin spring-loaded outward, and a shear wire through the guide brush.


Tail Construction: The sheet-metal tail cone, constituting the container for the filling, is closed at the rear by a conical steel tail plug and at the forward end by a central plug which screws into the rear of the nose casting.  A tapped hole is provided in the central plug for filling purposes.  Secured to the tail plug is a tail tube having four fins, which carry a cylindrical strut.  The tail tube is closed at the rear by a cap.


Suspension: The bomb is suspended by a single eyebolt, which threads into the bomb case.
  

Filling:
-Smoke filling: Mk I: 1lb Titanium Tetrachloride, which produces white smoke when the detonator burster breaks open the tail cone and exposes it to the atmosphere.
-Flash Filling: Mk III: 1lb mixture of gunpowder and magnesium turnings, producing a brilliant white flash on impact.


Remarks: The Bomb Mk I with smoke filling is used for daytime practice.  The flash-filled Mk I is used at night.

The Bomb Mk II is made in the US of bakelite, but have now been scrapped.

Practice 25lb Mks I and III (Obsolete), and Mks IV and V (Service)
    

Overall length: 22 inches
Body diameter: 4 inches

Total weight: 25 pounds (approx.)

Fuzing: Integral simple impact arrangement with detonator burster No.28 Mk I

Color and markings:  White overall,
Mk I has two 1/2-inch green bands on after body,
Mk III has two 1/2-inch black bands on after body, and one red band on nose.

  

Description: This bomb consists of a solid, cast-iron nose section bored centrally to house a striker head, to which are attached a long striker rod and striker.  A striker guide bush is threaded into the after end of the central bore.  A shear wire through the guide bush and the striker prevents the striker from contact with the detonator burster in the unarmed position.  During transit and normal handling, the striker also is retained by a split pin and a spring-loaded safety pin.  The split pin is removed when the bomb is loaded aboard the plane, and the safety pin is ejected when the bomb is released.


Tail Construction: The tail consists of a long tail cone, closed at the wider end by a central plug.  A central tube for the detonator burster passes through the tail cone.  Located in the central plug, slightly off-centre, is a filling pug through which the smoke or flash filling is inserted.  As in most British practice bombs, the filling is contained in what is actually a part of the tail portion of the bomb.  A tail tube is attached to the after end of the tail cone and supports a cylindrical shroud and four fins.  The central plug is threaded externally and screws into the after end of the cast iron nose section of the bomb.


Suspension: A single U-shaped suspension lug is provided to suspend this bomb.
  

Filling:
-Smoke filling: Mk I and Mk IV - Titanium Tetrachloride
-Flash Filling: Mk III and Mk V - Magnesium shavings and gunpowder, or calcium silicide and gunpowder.


Remarks: The smoke-filled bombs are used for daylight operations; the flash-filled at night.  Because of their solid cast-iron noses, these bombs should not be used against lightly armored targets.

The Bombs Mk I and Mk III are identical, except for the fillings.  The Mk IV, which replaces the Mk I, is similar to it in construction, but differs in the following respects:  The safety plunger and transit safety pin have been increased in diameter.  The plunger is retained by a flexible steel safety wire permanently attached to a safety collar which is threaded internally to accept the transit safety pin.  The transit safety pin is screwed into the safety collar, thus retaining the assembly firmly until the bomb is on the carrier.

The Bomb Mk V, which replaces the Mk III, is mechanically identical to the Mk IV, but differs in the filling.

  

Infantry Training Bombs Introduction


These bombs, of which there are two sizes, are used to train infantry units under simulated combat conditions.  The bomb casing is splinter-less, thus reducing the possibility of training injuries, but the noise and flash produced are comparable to those of the explosions of a medium-sized bomb. 

The bombs are fuzed with a pistol/detonator combination.  The 6lb bomb takes a Nose Pistol No.34, while the 60lb bomb takes a Nose Pistol No.42.

The bomb bodies are constructed of rolled pressed paper, and are closed by a pressed-paper head.

IT 6lb Mk I (Service)

Overall length: 20 inches

Body length: 20 inches

Body diameter: 3.8 inches

Total weight: 6 pounds (approx.)
Charge/Weight ratio: 33%

Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.34
  

Color and markings: Dark green overall,
1/2-inch red band 1 inch from nose,
1-inch light green band 4 inches from the nose.

Body Construction: The body consists of a rolled-paper cylinder shellacked internally and externally.  A the nose end an adapter is attached to a chamfered cardboard washer, and threaded internally to receive the pistol.  The main filling is held in the body between a paper cup amidships and two felt washers at the nose, which position the exploder.  The paper cup is supported by a cardboard washer, which is in turn supported by a split collar secured to the body by four rivets.


Tail Construction: No separate tail unit is used.  The empty after portion of the body serves as a tail.
 
Suspension: The bomb is suspended by a suspension lug on a band approximately six inches from the nose.
  

Explosive Components:
Exploders: 3 CE pellets, two of which are perforated

Filling: 2lb of CE TNT 30/70, or desensitized Pentolite Grade I


Remarks: This bomb is used to provide realistic bombing attacks on infantry undergoing training.  The bomb is splinterless, but the nose and flash are comparable to those of a medium-sized bomb used for dive bombing operations.

IT 60lb (Service)
  

Overall length: 36 inches (w/o fuze extension rod)

Body diameter: 10.6 inches

Total weight: 60 pounds (approx.)

Fuzing: Nose Pistol No.42
  

Color and markings: Dark green overall,
1/2-inch red band and 1-inch light green band around forward part of body.

Body Construction: The body and tail unit are in one piece, and are manufactured of rolled and pressed paper.  The rolled-paper charge container, containing pentolite, rests on a felt washer seated on a diaphragm in the body.  The head of the charge container is closed by a rolled-paper head which is pinned, shellacked, and taped in position.  The head is recessed to house the pistol adapter.  A 6-inch extension rod is fitted to the Nose Pistol No.42, by means of a spring washer, after the arming vane cap has been removed.


Suspension: The bomb is suspended by a single suspension lug approximately 10 inches from nose of bomb, which is secured to the bomb body by two bolts.
  

Explosive Components:
Exploder: 3 CE pellets


Filling: Pentolite

Remarks: This bomb is designed to be used in training operations of ground personnel, simulating realistic bombing attacks.



 





Miscellaneous Bombs Introduction


This chapter covers two bombs which do not fall within the regular classification system.  One bomb is the "Nickle" Leaflet bomb, which is a US Army M26 flare modified to carry propaganda leaflets.  The other bomb is the Type H, A.D. Apparatus, which is designed to provide aircraft with a defense against fixed gun fighter planes by laying a parachute-supported aerial mine in their path.  It is similar in principle of operation to several of the rocket-propelled A.D. apparatus.





"Nickle" Leaflet Bomb No.2 Mks I and II (Service)

Overall length: 47 inches

Body diameter: 8 inches

Total weight: 64 pounds
Filling: Propaganda leaflets

Fuzing: Nose Fuze No.860 Mk II
  

Color and markings: Grey overall; white stencilling

Body Construction: This bomb is an adaptation of a US Army Flare M26, whose purpose is to scatter large quantities of propaganda leaflets over enemy occupied territory.

The bomb consists of a light sheet-steel body, closed at the front end by a plastic transit plug, and at the after end by a light sheet-steel lid.  When the bomb is filled and ready for use, this lid is held in place by four soft steel tabs, which are welded at one end to the bomb body and have their free ends bent over the lid.  Four tail fins are secured to the after end of the bomb casing.

Inside the body is a wooden frame consisting of a block, which fits snuggly in the nose of the bomb but does not completely fill it, and three equispaced battens, each of which is secured at one end to the block.  These battens extend the full length of the bomb body between the block and the lids..  The leaflets are contained in the wooden frame between the battens.  The outer end of the block is recessed to locate an ejection charge containing 400 grains of G.12 gunpowder held in a muslin bag.

Since the bomb is an American weapon, it must be somewhat modified for British use.  A special brass adapter is threaded into the nose fuze pocket.  The adapter is internally threaded to receive the larger Fuze No.860 Mk II.  In the base of the adapter is located a charge of G.12 gunpowder, sealed at either end by a waterproof disc.

 
Suspension: The Bomb Mk I is designed only for aircraft having the American-type bomb stowage.  It is fitted with two American type lugs attached to suspension bands around the bomb body.  The Bomb Mk II is designed for suspension only in a Universal-type bomb carrier.  The bomb is fitted with both British- and American-type suspension lugs, but the American lugs have been moved out of position to fit beneath the standard crutching forks of the Universal-type carrier, and act as strengthening bands for the light-gauge steel body.


Functioning: When the fuzed bomb is released from the plane, it falls freely until the fuze functions, and the gunpowder in the adapter is initiated.  The flash from the gunpowder ignites the ejection charge, and the pressure from the explosion of the ejection charge forces the wooden frame containing the leaflets out of the after end of the bomb body.  The lid is thrown clear and the contents ejected from the tail.  After the ejection, the wooden frame falls end-over-end, and the leaflets fall out of the frame and scatter over the target.

Type H, A.D. Apparatus Mk II (Service)

 

Description: The apparatus consists of a housing canister, support parachute, bomb, steel cable, and towing parachute.

The cylindrical housing canister is a metal tube, the open end of which is closed by a lid.  A hinged metal flap is attached to the lid to insure its release when the apparatus is dropped.  A lid-retaining assembly holds the lid and its flap in place until the bomb is dropped.

The support parachute's shroud lines are tied to an attachment ring which is connected to the double snatch link of the bomb fuze by circlips.

The discus-shaped bomb has a central fuze hole, and a rolled edge to facilitate penetration.  The fuze is secured in place by a nut.  The bomb is filled with CE/TNT.

The fuze incorporates an all-ways acting striker mechanism, a double snatch link, and a CE filled magazine, which is screwed into the base of the fuze and closed by a plug.  This plug has an eye to which the cable is attached.  The fuze body houses a striker, creep spring, and shutter.  When the detonator in the shutter is held out of line with the striker by the striker point engaging a hole in the shutter, the fuze is unarmed.  If the striker point is withdrawn from  this hole, the shutter is moved into place by its spring and held in alignment by a spring-loaded locking pawl.  The striker is retained in the shutter hole against the pressure of its creep spring by a safety plunger, which is retained in position in the actuating rod by a headed rod.  A shear wire and the upper balls of the snatch link connect the headed rod and the actuating rod.  The flanged head of the actuating rod is housed in the fuze body.

The double snatch link consists of a body housing the actuating rod, which carries an upper and lower set of balls, a washer, sleeve, and compressed spring.  The upper balls bear on the washer, which presses against the upper end of the spring, and the lower set of balls bear against the under side of the flanged end of the sleeve.  The parachute attachment ring is joined to the snatch link body by two circlips. 

The support parachute, which is packed and held together with rubber bands so it will open only on sharp impact, is attached to the fuze eye by a one hundred foot cable.

Functioning: When the apparatus is released from the plane, the lid is blown off and, acting as a pilot chute, withdraws the support parachute, followed by the bomb, cable, and towing parachute.  The canister falls away and the cable assumes a vertical position.

The opening of the support parachute imparts a jerk to the double snatch link, which then releases the lower set of balls.  When the cable is completely unwound, the upper set of balls is ejected and the juncture of the fuze to the support parachute is transferred to the shear wire.

When the pursuing enemy plane collides with the cable, another jerk is transmitted to the bomb and support parachute.  The ends of the shear wire are cut by the snatch link washer, which then engages the headed rod, and again cuts the shear wire to release the safety rod and arm the fuze.  The support parachute and snatch link are then freed from the assemblage.  The shock of impact also opens the towing parachute, which prevents the cable from slipping over and away from the plane.  The bomb is whipped against the plane, and its hard edges penetrate the skin.  Penetration causes deflection of the actuating rod, which forces the striker into the detonator and explodes the bomb.

Next Time: Obsolete Bombs