| Accession Number | RELAWM35297 |
|---|---|
| Collection type | Technology |
| Object type | Munition |
| Physical description | Steel |
| Maker |
Unknown |
| Place made | Germany |
| Date made | c 1940 |
| Conflict |
Second World War, 1939-1945 |
AB 500 cluster bomb container: Luftwaffe
Description
Abwurfbehalter AB 500 cluster bomb container. Container divided along its longitudinal axis into two halves hinged at the tail. The nose contains the fuze assembly, the central compartment contains the bomblets, and the rear provides support for the tail structure. Length 80 inches, diameter 18 and 7/8 inches.
History / Summary
These containers could carry a variety of bomblets: 37 SD 10A or 392 SD 1, or 184 1 Kg incendary, or 28 SD 10 FRZ, or 116 2 kg incendary. The internal structure varies as to the bombs carried. On release from the aircraft, an electrical charge is transmitted via the charging head to either or both fuzes. After a delay, fuze operates to detonate the bursting charge. The two halves swing back on the hinge and the contents spill out. Provenance - German Airforce Equipment Centre, RAF Stanmore Park.