Bombs and Bomb Fuses

Question 1

Describe a fusing system.

Answer 1

Means of initiating the detonation, dispersion or ignition of a bomb at a previously determined time or position. it incorporates devices intended to ensure reliable and effective operation of a bomb and is, from an EOD perspective, the most hazardous component of a UXO. Covers fuses and pistols.

Question 2

Describe a Bomb Pistol

Answer 2

Contains no explosive elements and is used in conjunction with a separate detonator. Although a pistol is not a hazard when removed, a detonator (which is not to be removed if it has been fitted for greater than 14 days) remains in the pocket and must be prevented from movement id the UXO is to be moved.

Question 3

Describe a bomb fuse.

Answer 3

Contains an explosive element, such as a detonator and a booster. The booster contains a significant amount of explosive from the safety perspective of an EOD operator. Bomb fuses that have been removed from a UXO remain a hazard and require care when handling, transporting or storing.

Question 4

What are the bomb functioning actions?

Answer 4

Impact/short delay
Airbust
Influence
Hydrostatic
Long Delay
Anti withdrawal
Anti disturbance
Modular/ Smart

Question 5

What are the subcategories of impact fusing?

Answer 5

Direct action (shear wire, compression spring, diaphragm, heat of compression, electrical)

Indirect action (compression spring, plate, cocked striker, heat of compression)

Combination/Both

Question 6

What are the airburst subcategories?

Answer 6

Mechanical time (clockwork)
Mechanical
Electrical
Pyrotechinc Time
Barometric
Blast Pressure
Proximity

Question 7

What are the influence subcategories?

Answer 7

Radio (active)
Radio (passive)
Light
Heat
Acoustic
Magnetism
IR/Lasee

Question 8

What are the subcategories of Long Delay?

Answer 8

Chemical
Material Creep
Electrical
Clockwork

Question 9

What are the types of antiwithdrawal devices?

Answer 9

Clawed foot
Knife Edges
Offset Ball and groove
Anti removal sleeve
Electrical contact

Question 10

What are the subcategories of anti disturbance devices?

Answer 10

Electrical

Mechanical

Question 11

How are bomb fuses classified?

Answer 11

Position in Store
Method of arming
Functioming action

Question 12

Where can bomb fuses be positioned?

Answer 12

Nose
Tail
Transverse
Multi

Question 13

What are the methods of arming a bomb?

Answer 13

Electrical
Mechanical
Electromechanical
Combination

Question 14

Name the components of a bomb.

Answer 14

Case/main body with filling plug
Suspension lugs
Tail assembly
Main filling
Fusing system

Question 15

What can the main filling consist of?

Answer 15

HE including FAE
Chem/bio
Incendiary

Question 16

What are the categorisations of bombs?

Answer 16

HE/ Frag
Incendiary 
FAE
Chem/Bio
Practice

Question 17

What are the tail fin attachments?

Answer 17

Non-retarded (slick, snakeye undeployed, ballute parachute undeployed).

Retarded (snakeye deployed, ballute paraxhute deployed.

Question 18

Name 5 nose attachments and their purposes.

Answer 18

Kopfring - prevent excessive penetration on land and ricochet at sea.

Anti ricochet plates - as above.

Stabo - prevent bomb skipping during dive bombing.

Dinort rod - provide standoff to increase frag effect.

Arming vane

Question 19

Describe the characteristics of British WW2 bombs.

Answer 19

Single Suspension lug
Drum shaped tail assembly
Tail assembly attached with clip or screw
Arming vane in tail assembly if assembled after 1939.

Question 20

Describe the characteristics of German WW2 bombs.

Answer 20

Cruciform tail assembly
Single screw in suspension lugs (H or T lugs for larger bombs)
Tail bolted on or part of bomb construction

Question 21

Characteristics of American WW2 bomb.

Answer 21

Box shaped tail assembly.
Double suspension lugs (may have one additional to be used by allies)
Tail assembly secured with a large nut

Question 22

Characteristics of Soviet WW2 bomb.

Answer 22

May have design features of British, American or German bombs.
If tail assembly is welded on it is likely full of main filling.

Question 23

Characteristics of Japanese WW2 bombs.

Answer 23

Single suspension lug (folds for Army)

Open fin cone tail assembly