Cluster Adapter E6R2

Over-all length, inches

Body length, inches

Tail width, inches

Fuzing

M138, AN-M145

General: The cluster adapter has a thin steel body that is shaped like a bomb, except the nose is not rounded off to make a full hemisphere. A standard-type bomb fin is affix-ed to the rear of the adapter, and a fuze fits in the nose. Hoisting and suspension lungs are located at the top. Internally, the adpater is equipped with cluster bars for position-ing of the bombs when loaded. A L-shaped angle bar runs the entire length of the adap-ter along the bottom cluster bar. Into the angle bar is fitted a light steel tube which en-closes a length of primacord that extends from the nose fuze to the other end of the cluster adapter. When the cluster is filled, the bombs are paclked nose-forward, 19 in the front half of the adapter and 19 in the after portion. The assembly is held together by nine nailless steel straps. The cluster adapter then becomes a 500-pound aimable cluster that will fit any 500-pound bomb station, and, when dropped from high altitudes, approximates the trajectory of a 100-pound demolition bomb.

Bombs

E62

M77 (HC) Chemical

Operation: On release, the arming wire is pulled, allowing the clockwork to start and the vanes to turn. When the vanes have made the proper number of turns, a striker-pin safety block falls out, completely arming the fuze, so that it functions upon expiration of the predetermined time setting. Firing of the fuze detonates the primacord, which runs the full length of the adapter. Explosion of the primacord breaks the nine nailless steel straps, allowing the cluster adapter wall to open and the bombs to scatter.

Remarks: if desired, the cluster adapter may be kept intact, during the entire period of flight, bursting open on impact.

This adapter is being replaced by the Cluster Adapter M23.

Figure 298. Cluster Adapter E6R2 (above) and M10A1 (below)