Cluster Adapter Mk 7 Mod 1

Bombs

Total weight, pounds

Loaded length, inches

Width, inches

8.36

General: This cluster - 250-pound bomb size - uses the same pistol release device to open the cluster as used on the Mk 3; otherwise the mechanism is different. In this clus-ter, there is not only the release of the steel bands holding the bombs together but a spring-loaded force to push the bombs out of the cluster.

Description and operation: The frame has a front and a rear plate separated by the longitudinal members, the upper and lower rods. The lower rod is rigid, but the upper one is free to rotate. To this upper rod are fixed the band hooks. When the cluster is as-sembled, the hooks are under torque from the tension of the band. However, the band hooks are held stationary by a king pin swung between two supports, which supports are placed between the upper and the lower rods. Firing of the pistol device, seated in the front plate, knocks out this king pin, allowing the upper rod and hooks to rotate,, freeing the bands.

When the bands fall off, the springs on the lower rod expand and, acting through the lever arms, push outboard on all the bomb cradles, forcing the bombs away from the cluster.

The arming vanes of the nose fuzes in the fragmentation bombs are kept from turning by safety arms attached to the front plate.

The cluster is suspended by the suspension plates in the middle part of the cluster.

Figure 278. Cluster Adpater Mk 7 Mod 1

Figure 279. Close-up of King Pin on Cluster Adapter Mk 7 Mod 1