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

German Explosive Ordnance - PD and Miscellaneous Small Bombs (Part 1)

German Explosives

PD 500kg

Overall length: 6 feet 11 inches
Body Length: 4 feet 6 and 1/2 inches
Body Diameter: 11 inches
Tail Length: 2 feet 6 and 1/2 inches
Tail Width: 1 foot 11 inches

Filling: (109) RDX/Wax/A1.  The filling, designation 109, has previously been found in PC 1800 RS, associated with a nose filling block of nitroguanidine.

Weight of filling: 32 kilograms
Total Weight: 500 kilograms (approx.)
Charge/Weight Ratio: 6.4%


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


Construction: The body of the PD 500 is constructed of drawn steel.  Compared to the weight of the bomb, it has a very small explosive cavity.  In place of the normal transverse fuze pocket, there is a charging head.  Electrical leads pass from the charging head tot he fuze which is found in the base plate.

The magnesium alloy tail unit is screwed to the base of the bomb with 24 screws.


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


Remarks: The bomb is stated to be intended for attacking armored targets, especially warships.  It is dropped in horizontal flight from a height of at least 11,500 feet.

The penetration of armor is stated to be 5 and 1/2 inches, increased in later models to 6 and 1/4 inches.  It is of two-piece construction.  The leads from the charging head traverse through a machined hole in the drawn steel bomb body.  This bomb employs an H-type carrying lug.

1/2kg Anti-Personnel Parachute Bomb

Overall length: 4 and 1/4 inches
Body Length: 2 and 1/4 inches
Body Diameter: 1 and 7/16 inches
Wall Thickness: 3/16 inches

Weight of filling: 1 ounce
Total Weight: 16 ounces
Charge/Weight Ratio: 6.6%

Color: Canister unpainted aluminum.  One red bar on closing plate indicates 2-second delay.  Two red bars on closing plate indicates 4 seconds delay for the pull percussion igniter.


Construction: The assembly is composed of two parts: the bomb and the canister.  The body is cylindrical and made of cast steel.  The base and head are internally threaded, the base to accept a suspension hook and the nose for a steel closing plug.  Attached to the suspension hook is a cord which is also tied to a split ring.  The parachute is attached to the split ring by eight cords.  The split ring is also attached to the pull friction igniter which is threaded into the steel closing plug.

The bomb assembly is housed in a barrel-shaped aluminum canister, the body of which is formed in two separate sections and closed at the ends by twin closing plates.


Operation: On release of bomb, the canister comes apart and bomb falls clear.  When the parachute opens, the shroud pulls the striker release plate out.  The striker is then forced into the percussion cap.  This action explodes the bomb.


Suspension: Thought to be carried in large containers.







1kg SD Mortar Bomb, SD 1, SD 1 FRZ

SD 1

Overall length: 6.7 inches
Body Length: 4.25 inches
Body Diameter: 2 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.4 in nose; 0.2 inches tail
Tail Length: 1.25 inches
Tail Width: 2 inches

Filling: Cast TNT
Total Weight: 2 pounds


FRZ
Overall length: 6.06 inches
Body Length: 3.75 inches
Body Diameter: 2 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.12 inches
Tail Length: 1.22 inches
Tail Width: 2 inches

Filling: Amatol 30/70; Granular TNT
Total Weight: 1.1 pounds



Color: SD1 yellow, FRZ is mustard color.  Tail (sheet steel) black, (cast aluminum) natural color.  Ogive is painted red on Amatol-filled bombs.

Markings on FRZ:

Construction: Both bombs have a steel body.  The SD 1 tail assembly is of light metal fins and a drum.  Tail assembly screws into the bomb.

The FRZ tail assembly also screws into the base of the bomb.  It is in the form of a cup with three sheet metal pieces spot welded on to it to form six fins.  Both sheet steel and aluminum tails were used.


Suspension:
-SD 392 bombs in AB 500-1 container; 224 bombs in AB 250-2 container; 50 bombs in AB 70-D1 container.

Packing is nose to tail with tail cup of each forming a safety device for fuze behind it.

FRZ bombs are carried in AB 70-D1 container and packed in the same manner as the SD1 bombs.


Remarks: The FRZ is a French bomb used by the Germans.






2kg "Butterfly" SD 2A and SD 2B

Overall length: 3.5 inches
Body Length: 3.1 inches
Body Diameter: 3 inches
Wall thickness: 3/8 inches

Filling: Cast TNT surrounded by a layer of bitumen composition.

Weight of filling: 7.5 ounces
Total Weight: 4,4 pounds
Charge/Weight Ratio: 11.4%

Color: Body of bomb may be painted either black, lead-grey, red, yellow, or field gray.  If the bomb is painted field gray it may have a 3/4-inch yellow band on the body, the wing assembly will be painted field grey with a yellow stripe on the inside and outside of the wings and may have a 3/4-inch red stripe at right angles to the yellow stripe on the wings.  If the bomb body is painted yellow, the wings will be painted yellow with a 3/4-inch strip of red on the wings.  In addition to the specific color combination given, the wings may be field grey or unpainted.

Construction: The body of the bomb is a cylindrical cast iron casing.  A fuze pocket is situated transversely in the side of the body.  The SD 2A and SD 2B differ only in the method in which the fuze is secured in the bomb.  The fuze is threaded into the SD 2A while it is secured in the SD 2B by a bayonet joint and two U-shaped safety clips.

The bomb body is encased in a thin sheet steel container made in four pieces - two end flaps and two pieces covering the sides of the bomb.  These parts are hinged together, the hinges being mounted with torsion springs tending to force the parts of the wings away from the body, but are prevented from opening until a safety pin is pulled when container opens.

After release, the wings, because of their air drag, rise to the upper end of the 6-inch wire cable connected to the fuze.  The rotation of the wings relative to the bomb body arms the fuze.  When fuze (41) A is employed in the bomb, the wings consist of two triangular shaped flaps.

Suspension: 23 bombs in the AB 23 SD 2 container; 108 bombs in the AB 250-3 container; 6 bombs in the Mark 500 Roden container; 24 bombs in the AB 24t container.

SB 3kg

Overall length: 13 and 5/8 inches

Body Length: 13 and 5/8 inches
Body Diameter: 3 and 3/16 inches
Wall thickness: 1/16 inches
Tail Length:  [Left blank in manual]
Tail Width: [Left blank in manual]
Filling: [Left blank in manual]

Weight of Filling: 4 pounds
Total Weight: 6.5 pounds
Charge/Weight Ratio: 61.5%


Color and Markings: Two yellow stripes, diametrically opposite, run length of case.

Stenciling in black on case:
SB 3
114
Wurfur AB 36
10 bb 242


Construction: The case consists of a welded steel tube 1/16 inch thick, which has a pressed steel filler cap threaded on to the nose.  Two cardboard discs cover the filling under the nose cap.

A steel fuze adapter, of spot welded construction, is crimped on to the base of the bomb.  No fuzes were found in the specimen recovered, but enemy documents indicate that these bombs are fitted with the mechanical impact all-ways acting (23) A fuze.  Design of adapter in base confirms documentary evidence.

There is no form of tail or stabilizing ring.


Suspension: Thought to be carried in containers.


Remarks: Captured documents have pointed to the existence of the 3-kg SB 3 but only one specimen has been found.

Next Time: Miscellaneous Small Bombs (Part 2)

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

French Explosive Ordnance - Bombs

French Explosive Ordnance

Bombs




Classes

French bombs may be divided into three classes.  The bombs in each class are named according to their weight, approximately in multiples of 10kg. and there follows a designation intended to differentiate several bombs of the weight.  H.E. service bombs are made of steel-hardened, forged, or drawn steel; welded sheet or cast steel.  The bomb fillings are generally as follows:

Hardened steel bombs ----- M Mn
Steel bombs ----- M Dn
Other bombs ----- D D

Fillings

The following fillings are used in French bombs:

M Mn - Trimonite (U.S.A.)
-70% melinite (picric acid)
-30% mononitionapthalene

M Dn or MFDN
-80% melinite
-20% dinitronapthalene

D D - Shellite (British)
-60% melinite
-40 dinitrophenol

Of these, "M Mn" is the most used filling for cast-steel anti-personnel bombs.  The remainder are normally filled with "M Dn", "D D" being confined to certain types which are now considered obsolete.


Flares

Flares are normally used in reconnaissance of targets or landing grounds.  They may be 10 or 30 kilograms in weight and should be used at altitudes between 1,500 and 5,000 feet.  The star burns for four or five minutes.  The smoke bomb produces, on impact, a cloud of smoke which lasts about a minute and indicates the direction of the wind.


Coloring of Bombs

1. Service Bombs
-H.E. bombs ---- Yellow
-H.E. bombs (old pattern) ---- Grey
-Flares ---- Red
-Incendiary 1kg (old pattern) ---- Blue body/Black tail
-Incendiary (new pattern) ---- Red body/Green tail
-Incendiary 10kg ---- Red body/Green tail
-Smoke ---- Black nose/Green body and tail

2. Miscellaneous Bombs
-Practice bombs ---- Yellow, blue band, or unpainted
-Instructional bombs ---- Grey or black/Blue band
-Ballast bombs ---- Grey or black/White band


Markings on French Bombs

Markings indicating manufacture are stamped on the nose of the bomb, either transversely near the nose fuze pocket or in a direction parallel to the axis of the bomb.

On mild or forged steel bombs they indicate the source of the steel, the establishments which have carried out the tempering and the manufacture, a consecutive number, the lot number, and year of manufacture.  The letter "M" shows that the bomb is of rolled steel.

On bombs of cast steel, markings indicate the foundry, the lot number, the year of manufacture, and the mark of the factory.

The nature of the explosive filling is indicated by letters 0.4 inch in height, stamped on the bomb at 0.4 inch from the nose fuze pocket.

The following markings are painted on the bombs.
In black, initials of the firm which carried out the filling, with the month and year of filling e.g. PCFD-7-22

Source and lot number of the explosive filling e.g. SF-514-20

Nature of filling
Lot number and year of filling e.g 4-22

In red, the inscription "F de Culot" on the same side as the other markings, in the case of bombs fuzed in the tail.  In addition, bombs of  100kg and over carry below all other markings a number indicating the exact weight of the bomb, to the nearest kilogram.





French Navy Bombs

Little information has been found on French Navy bombs.  Only the information in the following chart is available, except for the 125kg light case bomb, which is included in the bomb section.








10kg (P.A.) Anti-Personnel Type I and Type II

 Overall length: 21.5 inches
Body length: Unknown
Body diameter: 3.54 inches
Wall thickness: 0.5 inches
Tail length: 9.3 inches
Tail width: 5.5 inches

Type of filling:
-70% Picric Acid
-30% Mononitronapthalene

Weight of filling: 2.5 pounds
Total weight: 21 pounds

Fuzing: Nose Only
-24/31 Type H, Model 1921 R.S.A.
-24/31 Model 1925 or Model 1928

Color and markings: Overall yellow
Stamped 0.4 in. from nose fuze pocket in letters 0.4 in. in height - nature of filling.


Description: The bomb casings are single-piece steel castings, internally threaded at the nose to accommodate the tapered steel fuze adaptor.  Type II is similar to Type I, with the following exceptions: No struts are fitted to the tail unit, and strengthening is effected by pressing the lateral and longitudinal corrugations in each tail vane.  In Type I, the tail unit is formed of four similar segments riveted together, fitted over the rear of the bomb, and secured by crimping the tail cone into an annular groove out in the bomb body.

10kg (P.) Anti-Personnel Type I and Type II

 Overall length: 21.5 inches

Body length: Unknown

Body diameter: 3.5 inches

Wall thickness: 0.5 inches

Tail length: Unknown

Tail width: Unknown

Fuzing: Nose Only

-24/31 Type H, Model 1921 R.S.A.

-24/31 Model 1925 or Model 1928

Color and markings: Overall yellow

Stamped 0.4 in. from nose fuze pocket in letters 0.5 in. in height - nature of filling.

Description: 

Type I: The bomb body consists of a converted 90mm artillery shell.  A sheet-metal extension fits over the upper end of the body and is secured to it by crimping within two annular grooves machined in the body.  The tail unit is riveted to the upper half of the extension.

Type II: This bomb is similar to Type I, with the following exceptions: No conical extension is fitted, but a tail cone formed of a single-piece casting is fitted over the upper end of the bomb and is secured to it by crimping within a single annular groove.

50kg (A.) and 50kg (G.A.M.Mn.) G.P. H.E.
  

(A)
 Overall length: 39 inches
Body length: Unknown
Body diameter: 6.15 inches
Wall thickness: 0.69 inches
Tail length: 17 inches
Tail width: 7.85 inches
Type of filling: M.Dn
Weight of filling: 22 pounds
Total weight: 88 pounds

 (G.A.M.Mn)
 Overall length: 46.5 inches
Body length: Unknown
Body diameter: 7.85 inches
Wall thickness: 0.125 inches
Tail length: Unknown
Tail width: Unknown
Type of filling: M.Mn
Weight of filling: 63 pounds
Total weight: 112 pounds

Fuzing:
(A): Nose - Type H Model 1921; Tail: 3B15
(G.A.M.Mn): Tail: M. No.2

Color and markings: Overall yellow
Painted on bomb case - Type of filling and "F de Culot" if tail-fuzed only.


Description:
(A): The body of this bomb is a single-piece steel forging made from a rejected 155mm artillery shell.

(G.A.M.Mn): This bomb is made of sheet steel; it has either a longitudinal or a circumferential weld.

50kg (D.T. No.1, No.2, and No.3) G.P. H.E.

   
(No.1)
 Overall length: 46.5 inches
Body diameter: 8.25 inches
Wall thickness: 0.375 inches
Tail length: Unknown
Tail width: Unknown
Type of filling: M.Dn or D D
Weight of filling: 44 pounds
Total weight: 123 pounds

 (No.2)
Overall length: 46.5 inches
Body diameter: 7.7 inches
Wall thickness: Unknown
Tail length: 21 inches
Tail width: 10.2 inches
Type of filling: M.Dn or D D
Weight of filling: 42 pounds
Total weight: 123 pounds

 (No.3)
Overall length: 46.5 inches
Body diameter: 7.86 inches
Wall thickness: Unknown
Tail length: Unknown
Tail width: Unknown
Type of filling: M.Dn or D D
Weight of filling: 44 pounds
Total weight: 123 pounds

Fuzing:
No.1 and No.3: Tail only - 3B15

No.2: Nose - Type H Model 1921 R.S.A., Model 1925, or Model 1928.
Tail - Sch.R. Model 1938

Color and markings: Overall yellow
Painted on body - Type of filling, source, year of manufacture, etc.


Description: These bombs are single-piece forgings; No.1 made from converted 220mm artillery shells, No.3 from converted hydrogen cylinder; both made obsolete by the French.  The tail consists of four vanes fastened to teh tail cone, strengthened between the vanes by sheet metal struts.

100kg and 200kg G.P. H.E.
  

100kg
 Overall length: 56 inches
Body length: Unknown
Body diameter: 10.8 inches
Wall thickness: 0.44 inches
Tail length: 18.9 inches
Tail width: 10.2 inches
Type of filling: M.Dn or D D
Total weight: 258 pounds

 200kg
Overall length: 62 inches
Body length: Unknown
Body diameter: 14.5 inches
Wall thickness: 0.41 inches
Tail length: 27.25 inches
Tail width: 11.5 inches
Type of filling: M.Dn or D D
Total weight: 503 pounds

Fuzing:
Nose - A modified R.S.A. 30/45 Model 1930
Tail - 3B15 (100kg only) Sch. R. Model 1938

Color and markings: Overall yellow
Painted on body - Type of filling, source, etc. and "F de Culot" if tail-fuzed only.


Description: These bombs have a forged steel case.  The tail assembly consists of four vanes attached to the tail con and reinforced by struts made of strip steel.

500kg (Model 1930, No.1, and No.2) G.P. H.E.
   

Model 1930
 Overall length: 81 inches
Body length: Unknown
Body diameter: 19.3 inches
Wall thickness: 0.56 inches
Tail length: 34.2 inches
Tail width: 27.2 inches
Type of filling: M.Dn or D D
Weight of filling: 600 pounds
Total weight: 1285 pounds

 No.1
Overall length: 83 inches
Body length: Unknown
Body diameter: 21.4 inches
Wall thickness: 0.44 inches
Tail length: Unknown
Tail width: Unknown
Type of filling: M.Dn or D D
Weight of filling: 662 pounds
Total weight: 1182 pounds

No.2
Overall length: 79 inches
Body length: Unknown
Body diameter: 19.6 inches
Wall thickness: 0.625 inches
Tail length: Unknown
Tail width: Unknown
Type of filling: M.Dn or D D
Weight of filling: 595 pounds
Total weight: 1148 pounds

Fuzing:
Nose - A modified R.S.A. Mod. 1930 (except 500kg Model 1930)

Tail - 3B15 Sch. R. 1938 (500kg Model 1930 only)

Color and markings: Overall yellow
Painted on body - Type of filling, source, etc.


Description:
Model 1930: Bomb case is made of a single-piece steel forging.

No.1: This bomb is made of three sheet-steel sections welded together, presumably circumferentially.

No.2: The bomb case is made of a single-piece steel forging.

The tail assembly of these bombs consists of a tail cone with four vanes attached.

  

125kg G.P. H.E. (Naval)
  

 Overall length (w/o fuze): 61.5 inches
Body length: 36 inches
Body diameter: 12.2 inches
Wall thickness: 0.25 inches
Tail length: 26.8 inches
Tail width: 12 inches
Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: Unknown
Total weight: 125 kilograms (approx.)

Fuzing:
Nose: Type A
Tail: No.8

Color and markings: Unknown


Description: This bomb is light cased.  The tail assembly is secured to the bomb body by four clamping bolts which are received by four lugs on the body.  The tail unit has corrugate stiffening plates for strengthening.

40kg Fragmentation Bomb
   

 Overall length: 35.75 inches
Body length: Unknown
Body diameter: 6.25 inches
Wall thickness: Unknown
Tail length: 16.75 inches
Tail width: 7.75 inches
Type of filling: Unknown
Weight of filling: Unknown
Total weight: Unknown

Fuzing:
Nose: No.3
Tail: Unknown

Color and markings: Unknown


Description: This bomb is a converted artillery shell.  The tail unit is the cross-blade type, with the blade joined near the end of the bomb by a narrow strengthening band.

1kg Incendiaries Type A and Type B
   

 Type A
Overall length: 14.5 inches
Body length: 9 inches
Wall thickness: 0.35 inches
Tail length: 4.75 inches
Tail width: 2 inches
Type of filling: Thermite
Total weight: 1 kilogram

Type B
Overall length: 14.5 inches
Body length: Unknown
Wall thickness: 0.35 inches
Tail length: Unknown
Tail width: 2 inches
Type of filling: Thermite
Total weight: 1 kilogram

Fuzing:
Nose only - Fuzes for 1kg Incendiaries

Color and markings:
Type A: Blue body and Black tail
Type B: Red or Blue body and Green or Black tail


Description:
The bomb bodies are cylindrical castings of magnesium alloy, with the nose internally threaded to take a nose fuze.  Toward the nose, the bomb casing is perforated by two small vents, plugged with wax.  The bombs differ in tail assemblies, with Type A consisting of three sheet-metal banes supported at the ends by a circular ting and Type B consisting of a cast-alloy tail cone and eight vanes.

10kg (Model 1927) Incendiary
   

Overall length: 22.1 inches
Body length: Unknown
Body diameter: 3.54 inches
Wall thickness: Unknown
Tail length: 10.2 inches
Tail width: 5.5 inches
Type of filling: Thermite
Total weight: 1 kilogram

Fuzing:
Nose only - Fuzes for 1kg Incendiaries

Color and markings:
Type A: Blue body and Black tail
Type B: Red or Blue body and Green or Black tail


Description:

The bomb bodies are cylindrical castings of magnesium alloy, with the nose internally threaded to take a nose fuze.  Toward the nose, the bomb casing is perforated by two small vents, plugged with wax.  The bombs differ in tail assemblies, with Type A consisting of three sheet-metal banes supported at the ends by a circular ting and Type B consisting of a cast-alloy tail cone and eight vanes.

10kg Parachute Flares Old Type (A) and New Type (B)
  

  

 Type A
Overall length: Unknown (Book states Type A 10kg)
Body length: 45.3 inches
Body diameter: 4.4 inches
Wall thickness: Unknown
Tail length: Unknown
Tail width: Unknown
Type of filling: Star Composition
Weight of filling: 8 kilograms
Total weight: 13 kilograms

Fuzing:
Type A: Nose only - Time Fuze V.M.
Type B: Nose only - Time Fuze Model 1930

Color and markings:
Type A: Red overall
Type B: White overall; three grey stars painted near the head of the flare.


Description: These types of flares are very similar.  They come in weights of 10, 15, 30, and 50 kg.  The Type A is the older type and B is the newer.

Type A: The 10kg flare of this type has a body of sheet iron, tin plated.  When the fuze functions, it ignites the powder charge and this, in turn, ignites the flare composition.  At the same time the gas caused by the combustion of the powder creates sufficient pressure to eject the star and parachute through the tail of the flare, the cup of which is lightly attached to the body.

Type B: The newer type of flare is made of aluminum.  The tail cover is attached to the body by a lead strip running around the joint between the body and the tail.  The expulsion of the stars and parachute is accomplished in the same manner as in the Type A.  The head of the flare contains a ballast, as well as the powder charge which ignites and expels the contents of the flare.  The ignition of the large star is caused by the safety fuzes.  When the parachute opens, the six small stars hang around the large star.

Smoke Bomb
   

Overall length: 9.45 inches
Body length: Unknown
Body diameter: 2.75 inches
Tail length: 4.25 inches
Tail width: 3.15 inches
Type of filling: Titanium Tetrachloride
Bottle content: 100 cc

Fuzing: None

Color and markings: Green body and tail, Black nose.


Description: The casing is sheet aluminum, with the head pressed separately and soldered in several places to the body.  A glass container fits within the casing, protected from breakage by cork at the tail, felt washers along the side of the casing, and a collar supported on a helical spring at the nose.  A U-shaped safety pin holds the collar in position.  On release, the safety pin is pulled, freeing the bottle in the case.  On impact, the bottle moves forward against a spring onto four cutters in the nose of the body.

Next Time: French Mines and Traps

Italian Explosive Ordnance - Bombs (Part 3)

Italian Explosive Ordnance

15kg S.A.P. Bomb

Overall length: 31 inches
Body length: 20.7 inches
Body diameter: 4.7 inches
Tail length: 13.8 inches
Tail width: 6.3 inches

Type of filling: TNT

Weight of filling: 5.2 kilograms
Total weight: 15.5 kilograms

Fuzing: Tail - Type N

  

Color and markings: Overall grey; red nose

Description:  The bomb is thick-walled with a steel body and nose cast in one piece, to which a dome-shaped base is attached.

 

31kg S.A.P. Bomb

Overall length: 31.7 inches
Body length: 22.5 inches
Body diameter: 6.4 inches
Tail length: 12.5 inches
Tail width: 7.2 inches

Type of filling: TNT

Weight of filling: 10.5 kilograms
Total weight: 31 kilograms (approx.)

Fuzing: Tail only - Type N-2
   

Color and markings: Overall grey; red nose.
  

Description: The thick-walled steel body has a heavy nose, larger than the rest of the body, welded on.  A suspension band is bolted about the body.  The sheet-metal tail is attached to a band which clamps around the body.

100kg S.A.P. Bomb

Overall length: 50.5 inches
Body length: 31 inches
Body diameter: 9.9 inches
Wall thickness: 0.5 inch
Tail length: 21.3 inches
Tail width: 9.9 inches

Type of filling: Amatol
Weight of filling: 27.3 kilograms

Total weight: 109 kilograms

Fuzing: Tail only - Type C-1 or Y-1

  

Color and markings: Overall grey or dull blue; red band on nose

  

Description:  The bomb has a single-piece casing with a base plate attached by two rows of screws.  A sheet metal tail is attached to a base plate by screws.

104kg S.A.P. Bomb

Overall length: 43 inches
Body length: 28 inches
Body diameter: 10 inches
Tail length: 15 inches (approx.)
Tail width: 11 inches

Type of filling: TNT

Weight of filling: 30 kilograms (approx.)
Total weight: 104 kilograms

Fuzing: Tail only - Type C

  

Color and markings: Overall grey; red nose

Description: The steel body and nose are cast in one piece.  A dome-shaped base plate receives the sheet-metal tail fins, which are attached to a metal band which clamps around the body.

12kg Smoke Bomb

Overall length: 47 inches
Body length: 33 inches
Body diameter: 5.2 inches
Wall thickness: Unknown
Tail length: 14 inches
Tail width: 7 inches
Type of filling: Smoke composition

Total weight: 28 pounds

Fuzing: Nose only - Special fuze for this bomb

  

Color and markings: Overall grey; red tail

Description: Body is light alloy all-welded construction (including tail unit) with longitudinal seam down the body.  Mounted to fuze body on a central stand is the smoke-producing composition. 

There are 26 smoke pellets, each 3 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick, made of purple composition, enclosed in a perforated metal container. Between each one and the next there is a metal spacer.  A length of safety fuze leads from the fuze to the pellets and then to a self-destroying charge in the nose.

0.5kg Incendiary Bombs Types IP, IT, and FI

IP

Overall length: 6.1 inches
Body length: 4.5 inches
Body diameter: 2.75 inches

Total weight: 0.5 kilograms (approx.)

IT

Overall length: 5.1 inches
Body length: 3.5 inches
Body diameter: 2.5 inches

Total weight: 0.5 kilograms (approx.)

FI

Overall length: 4.95 inches
Body length: 3.35 inches
Body diameter: 2.5 inches

Total weight: 0.5 kilograms (approx.)

Fuzing: All - Type K

Color and markings:
Type IP: Overall light green; IP stenciled in black on the body
Type IT: Overall dark green; IT stenciled in black on the body
Type FI: Overall field grey; FI stenciled in black on the body

Description:
Type IP: This bomb consists of a thin mild-steel container of cylindrical shape whose filling consists of cotton wicks soaked in gasoline.

Type IT: Bomb is also of thin sheet mild-steel of cylindrical shape; but the main filling is thermite.

Type FI: The casing is of mild-steel and somewhat thicker than in the above two cases.  The main filling is phosphorus.

Remarks: These bombs are usually dropped in a bomb container.





1kg Incendiary Bombs Types I and II
  

Overall length: 6.1 inches
Body length: 4.6 inches
Body diameter: 2.7 inches

Type of filling: Magnesium and thermite mix
Total weight: 1kg (approx.)

Weight of filling:
-Magnesium: 0.084 kg
-Thermite: 0.473 kg

Fuzing: Type K

Color and markings: Overall reddish-brown; red nose

Description:
-Type I: The bomb is a tail-less cylinder made of electron metal.  On the curve surface are three small holes plugged with cork.  These act as vent holes when the thermite filling is ignited.  The thermite is in the form of a lightly pressed filling, pressed in two halves, with a central cylindrical which is filled with magnesium powder.

Below the fuze is a powder pellet which is separated from the thermite by a paper disc which is glued to a cardboard ring.  Through the paper disc is looped a piece of quick-match which extends into the magnesium.

 -Type II: This type made of the same material and having the same dimensions as the Type I, differs in the internal arrangement for igniting the thermite.  In place of the quick-match, a thin aluminum tube is inserted in the magnesium filling.  This tube contains a number of holes on its surface covered by thin paper, and is filled with magnesium powder.  It is sealed at its lower end by a cork plug.

Remarks:
1. These bombs can be dropped singly or in a bomb container.
2. These bombs were used also for sabotage work by using the fuze Type H.




2kg Incendiary Bombs Types I and II
  

Overall length: 12.2 inches
Body length: 10.6 inches
Body diameter: 2.7 inches
Wall thickness:
-Upper cylinder: 0.34 inch
-Lower cylinder: 0.06 inch

Type of filling:
-Type I: Thermite and oil
-Type II: Magnesium, Mercuric oxide, and Nitrobenzone
  

Weight of filling:
-Type I: 0.339 kg oil, 0.66 kg mix
-Type II: Unknown

Total weight:
-Type I: 2.12 kg
-Type II: Unknown

Fuzing: Type K
  

Color and markings:
-Type I: Overall grey; red nose
-Type II: Overall reddish-brown; red nose

Description:
-Type I: The bomb consists of two cylinders screwed together.  The upper cylinder is the same as the 1kg Incendiary Bomb Type II, except that the base plate is drilled to take four screws which secure the top plate of the lower cylinder to the base plate of the upper cylinder.  The lower portion is of sheet steel and contains a high-boiling turpentine oil.

 -Type II: This bomb is very similar to the Type I, except for the filling in both the upper and lower cylinders.  The upper part contains magnesium and mercuric oxide powders, and the other contains nitrobenzene.

20kg Incendiary Bomb

Overall length: 34 inches
Body length: 20.5 inches
Body diameter: 6.3 inches
Wall thickness: 0.75 inch
Tail length: 15.8 inches
Tail width: 6.3 inches

Type of filling: Thermite

Weight of filling: 10.58 kilograms
Total weight: 20.17 kilograms

Fuzing: Tail only - Type E

  

Color and markings: Overall reddish-brown; red nose

Description: The bomb consists of nose body and tail, all secured by screws.  The body is electron; the nose as a steel plug; and the tail is alloy or sheet metal.  Fuze vanes halfway along the tail length insure limited terminal velocity for the vanes.  Five holes at the rear of the bomb casing are closed by cork plugs.  The fuze functions on impact; igniter fires thermite; corks blow out and filling burns about three minutes; then casing breaks and burns with a white heat for ten minutes.

70kg Incendiary Bomb

Overall length: 47.2 inches
Body length: 23.6 inches
Body diameter: 9.9 inches
Wall thickness: 1 inch
Tail length: 24 inches
Tail width: 9.9 inches

Type of filling: Thermite

Weight of filling: 36.6 kilograms
Total weight: 74.5 kilograms

Fuzing: Tail only - Type G

  

Color and markings: Overall reddish-brown; red nose

Description: Bomb casing is electron metal.  The nose is encased in a steel cap 12 inches long and 1/8 inch thick attached to the body by eight screws.  The cap insures adequate penetration without damage to the casing.  An alloy tail unit is secured to the body by eight screws.  Vent holes, 1 and 1/4 inch in diameter, are plugged with cork.  The igniter for the thermite filling is magnesium powder in an aluminum tube passing through the center of the tail into the bomb body.

Next Time: Italian Gas Bombs and Others

Imperial Japanese Army Explosives - Bombs (Part 2)

 

 

 

  

Imperial Japanese Army Explosives

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type 3 100kg Skipping Model Bomb

 

  

Fuzes: A-8(a); B-8(a)

Overall Length: 53 inches

Length of body: 31 and 1/4 inches

Diameter of body: 9 and 1/2 inches

Thickness of wall: 2/5 inch

Material of wall: Tubular steel
 

Type of suspension: Horizontal

Suspension lug: Normal Army type hinged suspension lug.
 

Color and markings: Black overall with a red-tipped nose and a yellow band forward of the suspension lug.
 

Length of tail: 21 and 3/4 inches

Width of tail: 13 and 1/4 inches

Width of tail fins: 5 and 7/16 inches

Dimensions of tail struts:
-Forward struts: 9 and 7/16 x 1 and 3/16 x 3/32 inches

-After struts: 9 and 7/16 x 1 and 9/16 x 3/32 inches

Material: Steel
 

Type of filling: Paper wrapped cast picric blocks sealed with TNT

Weight of filling: 98 pounds

Total weight of bomb: 220 pounds

Charge/weight ratio: 42.5%
 

Construction of body: The nosepiece and body are cosntructed of one piece of machined tubular steel.  The after end of the barrel is threaded internally to receive the tail assembly.  The tail cone is welded to a collar which screws into the after end of the barrel.
 

Construction of tail:  Four tail fins are spot welded to the tail cone.  They are braced by two sets of box-type struts.  The tail fins are further strengthened by four steel plates welded to the outer edges and running the entire length from the after end to the curved portion of the fins.  A round hole is cut in each plate to permit access to the tail fuze pocket.

Remarks:  Recent specimens of this bomb incorporate a steel reinforcing section in the after end of the body.  This cylindrical section closed at one end by a perforated plate is strengthened by three strips of metal which divide it into six equal compartments.  Twelve hexagonal bolts around the outer circumference of the bomb hold the section in place.  TNT is cast into the section to a point flush with its after edge.

Type 3 250kg Skipping Model Bomb
   

   

Fuzes: A-8(a); B-8(a)

Overall Length: 78 inches

Length of body: 46 and 1/2 inches

Diameter of body: 11 and 3/4 inches

Thickness of wall: 1/2 inch

Material of wall: Tubular steel

 

Type of suspension: Horizontal

Suspension lug: Normal Army type suspension lug.

 

Color and markings: Black overall with a red-tipped nose and a yellow band forward of the suspension lug.

 

Length of tail: 31 and 1/2 inches

Width of tail: 16 and 1/2 inches

Width of tail fins: 8 and 1/4 inches

 

Dimensions of tail struts:

-Length: 11 and 1/2 inches
-Width: 3/4 inch
-Thickness: 3/32 inch

-Material: Steel
 

Type of filling: Paper wrapped cast picric blocks sealed with TNT

Weight of filling: 230 pounds

Total weight of bomb: 550 pounds

Charge/weight ratio: 41%

 

Construction of body: A steel nosepiece is welded to a tubular-steel barrel.  The after end of the barrel is threaded internally to receive the tail assembly.  A row of 12 hexagonal bolts around the circumference of bomb 3 and 1/2 inches forward of the after end of the barrel hold a steel reinforcing section in place.  This cylindrical section closed at one end by a perforated plate is strengthened by three strips of metal which divide it into six equal compartments.  Twelve holes are drilled in the outer circumference of the section to accommodate the bolts.  TNT is cast in the section to a point flush with its after edges.  The tail cone is welded to a collar which screws into the after end of the barrel.

 

Construction of tail: Four tail fins are spot welded to the tail cone. They are braced by a single set of box-type struts. The tail fins are further strengthened by four steel plates welded to the outer edges and running the entire length from the after end to a point just forward of the curved portion of the fins. A square hole is cut in each plate to permit access to the tail fuze pocket.

Type 4 100kg, 250kg, and 500kg Anti-Shipping Bombs

 

Construction of body: The nose and barrel of the 100kg and 250kg are constructed of 1-piece machined tubular-steel.  On the 500kg, a steel nosepiece is welded to a tubular-steel barrel.  The after end of the barrel is threaded internally to receive the tail assembly.  A row of 12 hexagonal bolts around the circumference of the bomb just forward of the after end of the barrel hold a steel reinforcing plate in place.  This cylindrical section closed at one end by a perforated plate is strengthened by 3 strips of metal bent at a 60 degree angle, which divide it into 6 equal compartments.  Twelve holes are drilled in the outer circumference of the section to accomodate the bolts.  TNT is cast in the section to a point flush with its after edges.  The tail cone is welded to a collar which screws into the after end of the barrel.  Welded to the apex of the tail cone is a burster tube.  This tube contains picric acid and is fitted with a fuze adapter at its after end.

 

Construction of tail: The tail fins are made from sheet steel.  There are two layers of steel in each fin, a single piece having been bent double and the two inner edges welded to the tail cone and burster tube by a continuous weld.  The forward and after ends of the fins are closed by welding.  The tail fins are not supported by tail struts.

1kg Thermite Incendairy Bomb
   

   

Fuzes: Inertia impact fuze

Overall Length: 13 and 1/2 inches

Length of body: 8 and 5/16 inches

Diameter of body: 2 and 1/8 inches

Thickness of wall: 3/8 inch

Material of wall: Magnesium

 

Type of suspension: Cluster container

Suspension lug: None

 

Color and markings: Black overall (prime coat of gold paint on the body only)

 

Length of tail: 5 and 1/8 inches

Width of tail: 2 and 1/8 inches

Width of tail fins: 1 and 1/16 inches

Dimensions of tail struts: 13/16 inch

Material: Light sheet metal

Type of filling: Thermite

Total weight of bomb: 2 pounds 12oz

 

Construction of body: The bomb consists of a nosepiece, incendiary filled body and explosive filled tail.  The nosepiece is made of magnesium and screws into the bomb body.  At the flat forward end it is threaded centrally to receive the brass firing pin holder which contains a fixed steel firing pin.  At the after end it is pierced by a flash hole.  The recess within the nosepiece houses a movable detonator carrier and a creep spring.  An off-center transverse safety pin prevents the detonator carrier from hitting the firing pin.  The body is a thermite-filled cylindrical magnesium tube.  The forward end is threaded internally to receive the nosepiece.  The after end is boat-tailed to accomodate the conical tail cone.  Three-fourths inch aft of the forward end are four vent holes, 90 degrees apart. 
 
The conical tail cone, made of light sheet metal, slips over the boat-tailed after body of the bomb, and is secured to it by four screws.  Each of the three fins, which are made of the same material as the cone, has its inner edge turned and held to the cone by four rivets.  Where the three fins meet aft of the apex of the tail cone, they are braced and held together by angular metal strips, which are riveted onto both sides of each fin by two rivets.  The outer edge of each fin is turned for a distance of 3/4 inch from the after end.  Six rivets hold these turned edges to a circular strut.  Filling the inside of the tail cone is a conical cloth bag containing a pyrotechnic mixture which may have explosive properties.

 

Operation:  The fuze is armed when the safety pin is removed.  On impact the detonator carrier moves down against the crep spring and hits the firing pin.  The resultant flash ignites the thermite filling of the bomb.

5kg Thermite Incendiary Bomb
 

   

Fuzes: Mechanical impact tail fuze

Overall Length: 15 and 3/4 inches

Length of body: 6 and 3/4 inches

Diameter of body: 3 and 11/16 inches

Thickness of wall: 1/8 inch

Material of wall: Welded steel tube

 

Type of suspension: Horizontal

 Suspension lug: 3/4 inch steel band secured around the body by a nut and bolt, 5/16 inch hole drilled in the extension of the band to accept metal hook.

 

Color and markings:
-Bomb Body: Black or olive drab
-Tail: Unpainted tin color

 

Length of tail: 9 inches

Width of tail: 3 and 11/16 inches

Width of tail fins: None

 

Dimensions of tail struts: None

Material: Tin-plated sheet steel
  

Type of filling: Incendiary, consisting of a first fire charge and a main charge

Total weight of bomb: 11 pounds

 

Construction of body: The bomb body consists of a 1/8 inch thick steel tube welded longitudinally and closed at the forward end by a 3/4 inch thick nose plug which is welded in place.  A cylindrical wooden block is fitted part way into the aft end of the body and secured by six countersunk wood screws.  The block contains the simple impact fuze and spring-loaded safety pin and also acts as the connecting element between the body and the tail.  Two 3/8 inch vent holes are drilled longitudinally through the block 180 degrees apart.  The fuze is 2 and 7/8 inches long and has a 1 and 3/16 inch diameter. 
 
The tubular aluminum body contains a striker and a creep spring.  A solid threaded plug closes the aft end and a plug containing the primer screws into the forward end.  A spring-loaded safety pin holds the striker in position.  The incendiary filling in the bomb body consists of a first fire charge which is adjacent to the primer and a main charge below it.  The first fire charge is a compressed black powder composed of magnesium, barium peroxide and potassium nitrate.  The main charge is thermite.

 

Construction of tail:  The tail, consisting of a tinned sheet steel tube closed at the after end, is secured to the wooden block by five wood screws.  The tail and body sections rest flush against one another, completely concealing the wooden block to which they are attached.  A slot in the tail receives the brass safety pin housing which is contained in the wooden block.

 
Operation: When the bomb is released the arming wire is withdrawn, allowing the spring-loaded safety pin to fly out, arming the fuze.  On impact, the striker compresses the creep spring and hits the primer.  The explosion of the primer ignites the first fire charge and the thermite.
 
 
 
 

Type 97 12kg Thermite Incendiary Bomb
 

   

Fuzes: A-2(a) (fitted with a magazine)

Overall Length: 25 and 1/2 inches

Length of body: 14 and 1/2 inches

Diameter of body: 4 inches

Thickness of wall: 3/16 inch

Material of wall: Steel

 

Type of suspension: Horizontal

Suspension lug: Normal Army type suspension lug on barrel, plus an improvised suspension device described below.

 

Color and markings: Black overall with a 9/16 inch white stripe just forward of the suspension lug.

 

Length of tail: 11 inches

Width of tail: 5 and 7/16 inches

Width of tail fins: 2 and 3/16 inches

 

Dimensions of tail struts:
-Length: 3 and 7/8 inches
-Width: 3/8 inch
-Thickness: 1/16 inch

Material: 1/16 inch rolled steel
 
 Type of filling: Three thermite-filled magnesium fire pots.  Two black powder charges

Weight of filling:
-Fire Pots: 10 pounds
-Black powder charges: 11 ounces

Total weight of bomb: 26 pounds

Charge/weight ratio: 38%

 

Construction of body: A cast-steel nosepiece is screwed into a tubular-steel body.  A normal hinged Army suspension lug and an additional suspension device are fitted to the body.  The suspension device consists of two steel bands 11/16 inch wide, each secured around the body by a bolt and nut.  The bands are joined by a steel strip 1/2 inch wide which is welded to them.  A 1/4 inch steel rod formed into a suspension yoke is welded to the steel strip.  A tail cone is welded to a collar which fits into the after end of the body and is held in place by four rivets.

 

Construction of tail:  Four steel fins are welded to the tail cone and are braced by a single row of box-type struts.

Operation:  The fuze is armed in flight and on impact the magazine is fired which in turn ignites the black powder charge.  The flash from this charge travels down a central flash channel igniting the incendiary composition in the fire pots and firing the black powder charge in the tail.  The explosive force of the two black powder charges is sufficient to shear the four rivets at the after end of the bomb body and thus expel the fire pots.

 
Remarks:  The suspension yoke will be found on this bomb only when it is suspended from a balloon.


 

Next Time: Incendiary and Smoke bombs, and Parachute Flares