ALLIED BOMBS AND FUZES

DESIGNATION

PRINCIPAL MARKING

Fuze No. 38

CLASSIFICATION

Fuze, Nose, Mechanical Impact

Mks. I & II

TYPE OF MISSILE

Gas Bombs

MARKINGS:

No. 38 I (or II)

BOMBS USED IN:

stamped on fuze

30 lb. Mk. 1 L.C.

shoulder

LEGEND

1

6

2

7

3

8

4

9

5

10

6

COLOR

Orange lacquer finish

OVERALL LENGTH

4.625 inches

OVERALL WIDTH

2.125 inches

MATERIAL OF CONSTRUCTION

Brass

DESCRIPTION

This fuze consists of fuze body (1), striker (3), creep spring (8), inertia weight (2) and explosive elements.

The striker threads into the fuze head when unarmed does not protrude into the central cavity of the fuze body. A clip cylinder (5) lies in the upper part of the central cavity. Beneath the cylinder is a creep spring (8) which holds the movable inertia weight (2) in position. A collar may be attached to the Mk I to strengthen the neck of the fuze. The sole difference between Mk I and Mk II is that Mk II is of stronger construction at the neck.

OPERATION

The fuze is armed manually after bomb is loaded into the plane by screwing the striker spindle (3) down until the striker point protrudes into the cavity above the clip cylinder (5). On impact, bending back weight (2) overcomes the creep spring (8) and rides forward, bending back the clips of the clip cylinder. The inertia weight (2) then moves forward, impaling the primer (6) on the point of the striker. The primer sets off the explosive system.

POSITION & METHOD OF FIXING IN BOMB

Screwed into the nose of the bomb.

FUZES LIKELY TO BE FOUND WITH

None.

COMPONENTS OF EXPLOSIVE TRAIN

Primer (6), five second delay pellet (9) and gunpowder burster charge (10).

BRITISH DESIGNATION

Fuze, Bomb, Nose, No. 38 Mk I or II.