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

German Explosives

ZC 10kg Concrete Practice Bomb

Overall Length: 23 inches

Body Length: 12 and 3/4 inches

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


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



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

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

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

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

ZC 50 Concrete Practice Bomb Types I and II

Overall Length: 43 and 1/2 inches

Body Length: 27 inches

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


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


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

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

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



Suspension: Vertical or horizontal








PC 1000 RS EX Practice Bomb

Overall Length: 7 feet 2 and 3/4 inches

Body Length: 3 feet 9 inches

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



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

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

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


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

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

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



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






ZC 250kg Concrete, Practice, Smoke Bomb

Overall Length: 65 inches

Body Length: 49.5 inches

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

Color: Bright green overall



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



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

Next Time: Pyrotechnics (Part 1)

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

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

German Explosives

NC 50 Smoke Bomb

Overall Length: 26.75 inches

Body Length: 10.75 inches

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

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

Total Weight: 109 pounds



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

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

NC 50 WC NC D/SEE - Smoke Marker Bomb

Overall Length: 3 feet 7 inches

Body Diameter: 7.75 inches
Tail Width: 11 inches

Filling: Smoke producing composition


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


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

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

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



Suspension: Vertical or horizontal



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








NC 250 S Smoke Bomb

Overall Length: 5 feet 3 inches

Body Diameter: 14 and 1/2 inches

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

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


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


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



Suspension: Horizontal.



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






SD 1 Type Practice Bomb

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



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

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







SD 2 Practice Bomb

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



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

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

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

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

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

German Explosives

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

Overall Length: 64 inches

Body Length: 46.75 inches

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

Filling: Oil incendiary mixture and TNT bursting charge.


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


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

250kg KC 250 Flam Incendiary Bomb

Overall Length: 63 inches

Body Length: 40 inches

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

Filling: Oil incendiary mixture and TNT bursting charge.

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


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


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

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



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



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









500kg Flam C500 Incendiary Bomb

Overall Length: 65.5 inches

Body Length: 62 inches

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

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

Total weight: 250 kilograms (approx.)


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


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

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



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



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






50kg Brand C50A Incendiary Bomb

Overall Length: 43.2 inches

Body Length: 30 inches

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

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

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


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

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



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

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



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



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

50kg Brand C50B Incendiary Bomb

Overall Length: 43.5 inches (approx.)

Body Length: 30.5 inches

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

Filling: White phosphorus

Total weight: 77 pounds (approx.)


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

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


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



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

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

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



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



Suspension: This bomb is fitted for horizontal suspension only.






250kg Brand C250A Type I and Type II Incendiary Bomb

Type I

Overall Length: 64 inches

Body Length: 46.7 inches

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


Type II

Overall Length: 64 inches

Body Length: 46.3 inches

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



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


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



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

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

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



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



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

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

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

German Explosive Ordnance - Concrete Bombs (Part 2), SA 4000, and the Bomben Torpedo

German Explosives

SBe Concrete Bomb (50kg AI, AII, C, CII, D, E)

AI

Overall length: 42.5 inches
Body Length: 35.6 inches
Body Diameter: 7.9 inches
Wall thickness: 0.9 inches
Tail Length: 16 inches
Tail Width: 11 inches

AII

Overall length: 42.9 inches
Body Diameter: 7.9 inches

C

Overall length: 43.1 inches
Body Length: 28 inches
Body Diameter: 7.9 inches
Wall thickness: 1.6 inches
Tail Length: 16.1 inches
Tail Width: 11 inches

CII

Overall length: 42.7 inches
Body Length: 28.6 inches
Body Diameter: 7.9 inches
Wall thickness: 1.5 inches
Tail Length: 16.1 inches
Tail Width: 11 inches

D

Overall length: 43.1 inches
Body Length: 28.7 inches
Body Diameter: 7.9 inches
Wall thickness: 2 inches
Tail Length: 16.1 inches
Tail Width: 11 inches

E

Overall length: 43.1 inches
Body Length: 28.7 inches
Body Diameter: 7.9 inches
Wall thickness: 1.5 inches
Tail Length: 16.1 inches
Tail Width: 11 inches



Filling: In earliest specimens, TNT.  In all later specimens a naphthalene explosive mixture.  This latter is a lower performance explosive, used perhaps for better fragmentation.

Total Weight: 49 to 52 kilograms


Color: Bright green overall


Construction: The concrete walls in all these models are loaded with small fragments of scrap metal.  The explosive filling of the model A1 is surrounded by a thin sheet metal container which acts as a former for the concrete.  The fragmentation effect of this bomb was apparently unsatisfactory, owing to excessive weight of explosive causing pulverization of the concrete.  An attempt was made to improve it in Model C by reducing the weight of the explosive and increasing the thickness of concrete while still retaining the metal explosive container.  A further modification along these lines was made in Model D, but it seems that the quantity of explosive had been reduced to too low a limit, and in Model E the weight of is increased in amount to be the same as Model C.  The metal explosive container, however, has been dispensed with, and the concrete has been precast on a gridded steel rod framework.  The steel framework is welded to a cast steel plug at the nose and a cast steel ring at the tail.  The tails are of sheet steel.  Early models had the tail set in concrete.  Later models have a detachable tail.


Suspension: Vertical or horizontal suspension is used.

SBe 250kg Concrete Bomb

Overall length: 64 and 1/16 inches
Body Diameter: 14 and 5/8 inches
Wall Thickness: 2 and 1/8 inches
Tail Length: 24 and 13/16 inches
Tail Width: 20 inches

Filling: Ammonium Nitrate with a small percentage of wood meal and aluminum.  There is also a column of TNT pellets.

Weight of filling: 46 kilograms
Total weight: 250 kilograms
Charge/Weight ratio: 18%

Color: Blue green overall.  Stenciled in black between trunnion band and fuze pocket.

Construction: The bomb body consists of a 1/8 inch metal explosive container.  Surrounding the container is a 2-inch concrete apron with scrap steel imbedded throughout.  A single transverse fuze pocket is used.  A metal piece 3/16-inch thick of saucer shape, is the nose piece for the bomb.

The tail is sheet steel with four single braces.


Suspension: Horizontal.  The lug is attached to the trunnion band which is removable.







SA 4,000kg

Overall length: 175 and 3/4 inches
Body Length: 138 and 1/2 inches
Body Diameter: 37 and 1/2 inches
Wall Thickness: 1/8 inches

Filling: Matrix 50/50 amatol biscuits; aluminum/wax/RDX
Total Weight: 9,000 pounds (approx.)


Color: Fawn colored overall, sections are marked I, II, III, IV, and V.  SA 4000 is painted in large black letters on the body.  The letter V plus serial number of bomb is also present.  The three specimens examined were 2, 3, and 7.



Construction: The bomb is made in five sections.  The central section is 2 feet 4 and 3/4 inches long and remaining sections are 1 foot 10 and 1/4 inches long.  Sections are cylindrical in shape and of sheet steel construction.

Each section has ends closed by a circular steel plate in which six holes are drilled and six steel tubes welded into position.  When the five sections are assembled, six tie rods are passed through the steel tubes and secured at the extreme ends of the bomb by a washer and two nuts.

A central exploder tube is formed in each section in the same manner as the connecting tubes.  Twenty-four picric acid pellets are stowed in the exploder tube of the central section and 18 pellets in each of the other exploder tubes.  Exploder tubes are closed at each end by a cardboard disc held in position by a threaded washer.

A circular felt pad is placed between each section when the bomb is assembled.  Three filling holes are provided in each section.

The nose fairing consists of a truncated conical section to which is welded a convex section; an internally threaded collar is welded to the convex section.  A steel tube 3 feet 1 and 1/4 inches long is screwed into this collar.  Three similar collars at an angle of 120 degree to each other are positioned off center on the convex section.  Three steel tubes 9 and 1/8 inches long are screwed into these collars.  The truncated conical section of the nose fairing is recessed at eight points to accommodate bolts which secure fairing to the bomb.

The ends of the long and three small tubes are fitted with steel closing plugs.  A transverse fuze pocket is located in the central section.  Fuze pocket appears to terminate at the central exploder tube.

No fuze has been found with the bomb but the threaded holes in the steel closing plugs accept the nose switch of the (55) A fuze.  Also, there are slots in the truncated conical section of the nose that may be for electric cable leads.  Locating ring attached to each bomb is of normal type and not of slotted type used with (55) A fuze.

Eight bolts which screw into the external plate of the after section appear to be for attachment of a tail unit, but no tail unit was found.


Suspension: The central section is fitted with a suspension lug.  Lug being capable of limited lateral rotation.  Section is also recessed and threaded at sides for fitting of trunnions.






BT (Bomben Torpedo)

General: The aircraft torpedo is an expensive, complicated weapon.  The proportion of explosive weigh is low.  Mass production is lengthy and expensive.  In addition, present day performance of torpedo engines limit the speed and range of the projectile.  Both of these items are essentials for accuracy and safety from anti-aircraft fire.

A relatively simple weapon would result were the torpedo engine and the control gear omitted.  If this simplified weapon were launched so that the greater portion of the distance to the target was covered through the air, as with an ordinary bomb, the initial speed of the launch would be retained over nearly all the range.  The projectile would enter the water just short of the target and carry on in the direction of its flight in air by reason of its momentum in the same was as does a torpedo.  To prevent it from going too deep before detonation, a relatively flat angle of entry into the water is necessary.

Such a weapon was developed in Germany during the closing months of the war, and it was called the Bomben Torpedo.  It combines the characteristics of the bomb to travel a long distance in a short time interval with the characteristics of a torpedo in that underwater travel eliminates range errors.

Details: The BT was developed in four sizes: 200kg, 400kg, 700kg, and the 1400kg.  They all incorporated the same general shape and construction, and were entirely of steel.  They were constructed in three pieces; the warhead (two sections) and the tail section.  The forward section of the warhead was in the shape of a truncated cone, and the after section of the warhead was cylindrical.  The transverse fuze pocket was located in the cylindrical section just aft the point where the two sections were welded together.  The suspension lug T-type, was secured to the warhead just forward of this weld at the center of gravity.

Tail Section: The tail section was also in the shape of a truncated cone.  There were three very large fins placed 120 degree apart at the after end of the section.  This type of tail provided excellent stability for the bomb while it was in the air.  The tail section was secured to the after section of the warhead in such a manner that when the missile struck the water, it was jettisoned.

Early in the experiments, a BT 1000 was worked on and this missile had a rocket motor inside the tail section.  This idea was soon dropped as it proved impractical for the missile.

Underwater Behavior: The bomb must in no event ricochet off the water, not even in flat angles of entry, but must continue without deviation of its path of entry.

It is known that with ogival noses, as seen in the illustration of the BT 1400, a bomb will ricochet off the water when it strikes at a flat angle.  By using a flat nose, as seen in the illustration of the BT 700, or better yet by using a spoiler plate, this ricochet at flat angles is definitely avoided.  The front surface of the spoiler plate is made in the form of a section of a sphere of radius, equivalent to the distance between the surface of the spoiler plate and the bomb's center of gravity.  As the flow of force is practically perpendicular to the upper surface of the body when it is awash, the resulting flow of force must go through the center of gravity and thus it causes no turning moment.

A spoiler plate with the same diameter as the bomb, however, has a high water drag.  The ideal situation is to have the size of the plate less than the greatest caliber of the bomb body and so shaped that only the spoiler plate and no other part strikes the surface of the water at flat angles of entry.

Next Time: Paravane Bomb, and Incendiary, Smoke, and Practice Bombs (Part 1)

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

German Explosive Ordnance - SD Bombs

German Explosives

SD 50 (D50; D50D; D50L)

Overall length: 43 inches
Body Length: 23.5 inches
Body Diameter: 8 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.4 wall to 1.8 inches in nose
Tail Length: 23.5 inches
Tail Width:
-Type I: 11 inches
-Type II: 10.5 inches

Filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 16.4 kilograms
Total Weight: 55 kilograms (approx.)
Charge/Weight Ratio: 30%

Color: Bomb is dark green overall and tailcone is striped with red.


Construction: The body of the SD 50 is a one-piece steel casting.  When machined down it has provisions for one transverse fuze pocket just forward of the horizontal carrying lug.  It is threaded at the base to accept a male type filling lug.

Either the Type 1 or Type 2 tail assemblies can be used.  Type 1 has a cast alloy adapter with sheet steel vanes.  The four vanes are not supported by struts.  Type 2 is a one-piece construction assembly of cast magnesium alloy with no strut supports for the tail fins.

In addition to the horizontal carrying lug, there are threads machined in the nose to take an "eye" type lug for vertical suspension.


Suspension: Horizontal or vertical.


Remarks: A small angle iron kopfring is normally fitted to the bomb.  In addition to the kopfring a 24-inch dinort rod may be added to obtain penetration detonation of the bomb.  An extension rod used with the (55) A can be used for the same purpose.

When the bomb is used against water targets, the tail fins are removed.  It is claimed that the ballistics are not changed by removing the tail fins providing the dropping range is less than 200 meters.  The E1AZ (38) fuze with a maximum delay of 5 seconds allows for water travel of 12 to 18 meters.

SD 70-kg

Overall length: 43.2 inches
Body Length: 28 inches
Body Diameter: 8 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.4 inches
Tail Length: 16 inches
Tail Width: 11 inches

Filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 21 kilograms
Total Weight: 66 kilograms
Charge/Weight Ratio: 39%

Color: Bomb is field gray overall.  Red stripes on tail fin.


Construction: The SD 70 body is of one-piece forged steel and is normally fitted with a kopfring.  The tail is of sheet steel construction and the fins are ribbed to supplant the diagonal fin braces.

This bomb, on occasion, is fitted with a parachute.  The tail unit is removed and a sheet metal cylinder 18 inches long and 7 and 3/4 inches in diameter is attached to the base of the bomb.  Contained in the cylinder is a red lattice type parachute 5 feet square with four double shroud lines.  The shroud lines are secured by means of four U-shaped brackets to a collar over which the base plate screws.  The overall length of the cylinder and bomb is approximately 45 inches.


Suspension: Horizontal or vertical suspension is used.


Remarks: Parachute bomb apparently designed to give air burst.





SD 250 kg D250, D250 JB, D250 L, D250 DL

Overall length: 64.5 inches
Body Length: 34.4 inches
Body Diameter: 14.5 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.6 wallpoint 3.5 inches
Tail Length: 38.2 inches
Tail Width: 20 inches

Filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 79 kilograms
Total Weight: 250 kilograms
Charge/Weight Ratio: 32%

Color: Bomb body and tail are painted dark green, sky blue, or aluminum.
Tail cone is striped with red or blue.


Construction: Bomb is of three-piece construction.  Nose and tail pieces are welded to main part of body.  One fuze pocket.  A female base plate is used.

The tail is of sheet steel construction.  Four vanes are welded to a cone.  There are also box-type struts of bar steel.  Extension cylinder has a dummy fuze head.


Suspension: Horizontal or vertical.






Nose Spikes for SC 50 Stabo, SD 70 Stabo, SC 250 Stabo, and SC 500 Stabo

SC 50 Stabo

Total weight: 62 kilograms
Length of spike: 47 centimeters
Diameter: 4.5 centimeters

SD 70 Stabo

Total weight: 77 kilograms
Length of spike: 47 centimeters
Diameter: 4.5 centimeters

SC 250 Stabo

Total weight: 282 kilograms
Length of spike: 57 centimeters
Diameter: 7.5 centimeters

SC 500 Stabo

Total weight: 305 kilograms
Length of spike: 60 centimeters
Diameter: 7.5 centimeters

Construction: Stabo bombs have a threaded lug forged to the nose of the case.  Stabo spikes screw on to this threaded lug.  The same spike fits both SC 50 and SD 70 and is of one-piece construction.  The SC 250 and SC 500 Stabo spikes have an additional piece, a pressure plate, which fits between the bomb case and spike to increase the rigidity.  The spikes are used in low altitude attacks to prevent ricochet.  A 1-cm hole through the spike allows use of a bar to screw spike securely to bomb.

Remarks: Stachebomben, or "Stabo" for short, are used in low altitude attacks to ensure the bomb does not ricochet.  The SC 250 and SC 500 are both two fuze pocket bombs and fuzing is usually a time fuze 17 or 57 and an antidisturbance fuze (50).  The SC 50 Stabo and SD Stabo are normally fuzed with a (55).

Discs fitting on the end of these spikes have been found.  It is thought nose switches have been used to give instantaneous action.

SD 500, SD 500A and SD 500E

Overall length: 82 inches

Body Length: 54 inches
Body Diameter: 17.5 inches
Wall Thickness: 1 inch wall; point 5 inches
Tail Width: 18 inches
Tail Length: 35.5 inches

Filling: Amatol 60/40; TNT and wax
Weight of Filling: 200 kilograms (approx.)
Total Weight: 535 kilograms
Charge/Weight Ratio: 37%


Color: Field grey overall with red stripes on cone.  "D500 stg" stenciled on body in black.


Construction: All bombs in the SD 500 series are of one-piece drawn steel construction.  The main difference between the three modifications is the variation in wall thickness.

One transverse fuze pocket is located aft the suspension band.  To insure high order detonation, a central exploder tube has been inserted longitudinally through the explosive cavity.

The tail unit is constructed of sheet steel and has a ring type strut.  The unit is secured to the bomb in the same manner as the tail on the SC 1000 bomb.

A parachute type tail unit for this bomb has been found.  This unit is composed of a detachable sheet metal parachute container, open lattice type parachute, and a standard base plate with an additional web and ring of cast steel spot welded together to form an anchorage for the parachute shackles.  (Only one such unit has been found.)


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

SD 1700

Overall length: 129.6 inches

Body Length: 92 inches
Body Diameter: 26 inches
Wall Thickness: 0.9 inches wall to nose 3.5 inches
Tail Width: 24 inches
Tail Length: 46.5 inches

Filling: TNT; Amatol 60/40
Weight of Filling: 730 kilograms
Total Weight: 1,703 kilograms
Charge/Weight Ratio: 43%


Color: Black or sky blue overall.  Red stripes on tail.
"D1700" stenciled on opposite sides of body in letters 40mm high.


Construction: Body is of one-piece, forged steel construction.  A single fuze pocket is used with an extension cap fuze in the nose.  The base of the bomb is threaded to take a normal female type base plate.  A cast steel kopfring is welded to the nose as a preventative against excessive penetration.

The tail is made of light alloy and is of the cylinder type.  The 8-inch wide band is attached to the fins by rivets.  This band is known as a ring-type strut.


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

Next Time: PC Bombs


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

German Explosive Ordnance - SC Bombs (Part 1)

German Explosives

SC 50-kg Bi

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

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

Color: Dark gray or green overall


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

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

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

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

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

SC 50 Grade I - Ja, L, and Stabo

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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


Suspension: Horizontal or vertical by an eyebolt.





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

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

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

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


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

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

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


Suspension: Either horizontal or vertical.





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

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

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

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

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

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


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


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


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


Suspension: Suspension is either horizontal or vertical.


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





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

Overall length: 80 inches

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

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

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

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


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

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


Suspension: Horizontal only by means of an eyebolt.


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





SC 1000 Herman (C, L, and L2)

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



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



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



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


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

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

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

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

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


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


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

Next Time: SC Bombs (Part 2)



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

Italian Explosive Ordnance - Bombs (Part 4)

Italian Explosive Ordnance

100kg Special Bomb Combination Anti-Personnel Bomb and Bomb Container

Overall length: 53.2 inches
Body length: 29 inches
Body diameter: 10.7 inches
Wall thickness: 0.07 inch
Tail length: 20.8 inches
Tail width: 10.7 inches

Type of filling: TNT

Total weight: 113 kilograms or 82.1 kilograms

Fuzing:
-Nose: Type X
-Tail: Type Z

  

Color and markings: Overall reddish brown; red nose

Description:    This is a composite which comprises: (1) 32 small Spezzine bombs; (2) a central bomb; and (3) a nose charge which acts as an anti-personnel bomb.  If Spezzine bombs are filled with H.E., the bomb is called 100kg Sp. I. in the latter, the 32 small bombs (1-kg I) may be replaced by 16 (2-kg I) bombs.

Nose fuze (Type X) functions at a preset height and causes the conical nose portion, carrying a length of burning safety fuze and an explosive charge enclosed in concrete, to fall away and explode subsequently; small bombs thus released fall independently.  The main body continues its flight, containing the central bomb, which explodes on impact under the action of the tail fuze.

The container part consists of two concentric sheet-steel cylinders, the outer 0.08 inch thick and the inner 0.04 inch thick, held together by four strips and the end plate.  The tail is attached to the outer cylinder by four threaded studs; in the inner cylinder is fitted the central bomb, of the "Mitroglia" type.  The nose protrudes and is attached by a steel adapter and locking-ball device to the central bomb.

Spezzine bombs are packed, with safety pins removed, in eight columns of four; each column has a conical spring to keep it in compression.  Under one spring is a spring-loaded plunger, protruding through the end plate and acting as a safety pin for the Fuze Type Z of the central bomb.

 

15kg Gas 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: Diphenyl Chlorarsine

Weight of filling: 3.65 kilograms
Burster used: TNT
Weight of burster: 1.7 kilograms
Total weight: 16 kilograms (approx.)

Fuzing: Tail - Unknown
   

Color and markings: Overall yellow; Geneva cross stenciled on the body
  

Description: The bomb is thick-walled with a steel body and nose cast in one piece, to which a dome-shaped base it attached.  Sheet-metal tail fins are attached to a metal band clamped around the body.

Remarks: This bomb is thought to be the same as the 15kg S.A.P. except for filling.

25kg Gas Bomb (Furretta)

Overall length: 32.7 inches
Body length: 30.1 inches
Body diameter: 6.3 inches
Type of filling: Lachrymator
Weight of filling: 10 kilograms

Total weight: 25 kilograms

Fuzing: Tail - Type K

  

Color and markings: Overall yellow; Geneva cross in red

  

Description:  The bomb has a blunt nose and parallel sides, but no tail or stabilizing fins.  This is a percussion bomb; but it functions as a tear-gas generator.  There is no burster charge, but the casing is pierced with small holes through which the lachrymator is emitted.

40kg Gas Bomb C40P

Overall length: 32.3 inches
Body length: 21.4 inches
Body diameter: 9.9 inches
Tail length: 16.1 inches
Tail width: 9.9 inches

Type of filling: Diphenyl Chlorarsine

Weight of filling: 6.5 kilograms
Weight of burster: 13 kilograms
Total weight: 47 kilograms

Type of filling: Mustard Gas

Weight of filling: 14.7 kilograms
Weight of burster: 0.18 kilograms
Total weight: 40.6 kilograms

Fuzing: Tail only - Unknown

  

Color and markings:
-Diphenyl Chlorarsine: Overall yellow; Geneva cross stenciled in black
-Mustard Gas: Overall yellow; red nose; red stenciled marking (see below)

N 2226
Lorpo KG 359; Tara KG179

 
Description: This bomb is similar to 40kg G.P.-H.E. bomb in size and appearance.  The burster tube contains TNT and is about fifteen inches long.  Other information is lacking.

55kg Gas Bomb and 100kg Gas Bomb (C100P)

55kg
Overall length: 32.3 inches
Body diameter: 9.8 inches
Type of filling: Phosgene
Weight of filling: 20 kilograms
Weight of burster: 18 kilograms

Total weight: 55 kilograms

100kg
Overall length: 50.2 inches
Body length: 32.5 inches
Body diameter: 10.7 inches
Tail length: 20.8 inches
Tail width: 10.7 inches
Type of filling: Diphenyl Chlorarsine
Weight of filling: 14.3 kilograms
Weight of burster: 28.7 kilograms

Total weight: 101.9 kilograms

Fuzing:
-55kg: Unknown
-100kg: Tail only; probably C-1 or Y-1
   

Color and markings:
-55kg: Overall yellow; Geneva cross stenciled in white
-100kg: Overall yellow; Geneva cross stenciled in black


Description: These bombs are similar to same weight G.P.-H.E. bombs.  Little information has been found on them.

250kg and 500kg (500T) Gas Bombs

250kg

Overall length: Unknown
Body length: 57.5 inches
Body diameter: 18 inches
Wall thickness: 0.12 inch
Type of filling: Mustard Gas
Weight of filling: 214 kilograms (approx.)

Total weight: 264 kilograms (approx.) without tail

500kg

Overall length: 96.6 inches
Body length: 54.3 inches
Body diameter: 18 inches
Wall thickness: 0.12 inch
Type of filling: Diphenyl Chlorarsine
Weight of filling: 210 kilograms

Total weight: 298 kilograms

Fuzing:
-250kg: Nose - Unknown
-500kg: Nose - Type T

Color and markings:
-250kg: Overall light blue-grey; yellow nose plug
-500kg: Overall grey; Geneva cross, probably in green, above the lettering S.C.M. 1-37 C-500T

Description: These two bombs are thought to be the same except for the slight differences in length of the body, which could have been measured erratically.  Two different illustrations are shown; one is made from recovered bomb and the other is from Italian drawings.

-250kg: The casing is of thin sheet metal and is of welded construction.  Inside the body casing is a baffle for the chemical filling.  The tail unit was not recovered, but could take the alloy tail unit which is used in the C500T.

-500kg: Very little is known about this bomb, since it was not used in the war.  The bomb is very similar to the 500kg General Purpose, except that is has a baffle plate in the center.





5kg Vento Marker
  

Overall length: 17.4 inches
Body length: 8.9 inches
Body diameter: 5.2 inches
Wall thickness: 0.3 inch
Tail length: 9.2 inches
Tail width: 7 inches

Type of filling: Smoke or Incendiary
Weight of filling: Unknown
Total weight: 5.2kg

Fuzing: Nose fuze - Type S

Description: The body consists of a thin metal cylinder liner and outer concrete bomb body, which is reinforced with sheet pellets and wire.  The body liner has welded to it: (1) the suspension lug socket which is internally threaded to receive the horizontal suspension lug; (2) four metal vane support which have riveted to them four aluminum-alloy vanes; (3) two pairs of diametrically opposite wire guides for the base plug retaining wire; (4) the ends of a helical reinforcing wire, 16 S.W.G., which is coiled in three turns and passes through the holes provided in the vane support; and (5) the upper end of a second helical reinforcing wire, 8 S.W.G., which is coiled in five turns and is welded at its other end to the fuze pocket.

At the upper end, the liner is closed by a cork plug.  This bomb is used in conjunction with chemical bombs.  The purpose is to indicate the force and direction of the wind at ground level.  Two main fillings are used, a smoke filling for use in the daytime, and an incendiary filling for use at night.  The night filling is the 1kg Incendiary Bomb Type II.  Another modification of this bomb has no body liner but is all concrete and is used for practice.

Next Time: Italian Gas Bombs and Others