500-pound Chemical AN-M78

Over-all length, inches

Body length, inches

Body diameter, inches

Wall thickness, inch

Tail length, inches

Tail width, inches

Tail weight, pounds

Chg./wt. ratio

26.1%

42.0%

36.8%

Fuzing

Regular missions

Nose: AN-M103A1, AN-M103, M103, M127 (Army only, with M117 adapter booster); M128 (Navy only), M135, M135A1, M136, M136A1, M139, M139A1, AN-M139A1, M140, AN-M140A1, M163, M164, M165.

Tail: AN-M101A2, AN-M101A1, M161.

V.T. mission

Nose: T50E4, M166, T82.

Tail: AN-M101A2.

Construction: In construction, the Chemical Bomb AN-M78 resembles the 500-pound G.P. Bomb AN-M64. The body is of one-piece cast-steel construction with a Burster M15 well running the entire length of the bomb. The burster is threaded internally at the nose to receive the nose fuze and at the rear to receive the Adapter Booster M115. The base plug consists of a special forging welded to the case, containing the Needle Valve M1. The tail is a standard box-type fin assembly secured to the bomb by a locking nut which threads onto the base plug. Suspension is by two lugs seven inches on either side of the center of gravity or by a single suspension lug 180° removed at the center of gravity.

Remarks: The Adapter Booster M117 is used in conjunction with the Nose Fuze M127. This nose fuze is required for aerial bursts with persistent gas agents.

Figure 308. 500-pound Chemical Bomb AN-M78