T27E4 (Nose Barometric)

Bombs

Functioning

Armed condition

Diameter, inches

Vane span, inches

Over-all length, inches

6.0

General: This is an experimental design to obtain accurate firing at preset barometric pressure levels, and thus facilitate firing at exact altitudes (possibly within 200 feet of the setting). The fuze was originally designed for flares, but may be employed for other tactical purposes as testing continues.

Description and opeation: Being air-travel armed, the T27E4 has vanes and gears similar to the M111 type of fuze. However, the gears act to thread an arming stem in the side of the fuze upward, allowing the spring-loaded detonator slider to be moved out and in line with the firing pin. A key screw in the fuze base rides in a slot in the side of the detonator slider and prevents rotation or misalignment of the detonator slider.

The safety pin on the outside of the fuze body locks the trip-firing mechanism. This pin is removed by the arming wire as the bomb is released. When this safety pin is remo-ved, the aneriod bellows is free to move (through its leverage system) the trip-firing me-chanism when the fuze reaches an area of pressure corresponding to that set on the dial.

Figure 341. T27E4 Nose Barometric Fuze