M167, T59, and T62 (Tail Mechanical Impact)

Missiles

Functioning

Armed condition

Fuzes used with

Arming data

Vane span, inches

Material

Cadmium-plated steel with some brass parts

General: The M167 is an AN-M100A1 series tail fuze modified to fit the VB-1 and VB-3. An anemometer arming system has been installed, and spacer ring fits around the up-per section of the fuze to provide space and support for the fuze.

Operation: The arming wire is withdrawn upon release of the bomb from the plane, permitting the spring-loaded arming pin to fly out and freeing the anemometer vanes for rotation. Rigidly attached to the vane assembly through a gear reduction system, the flexible shaft revolves with the vanes and turns a stem coupling which fits lossley to it. An arming stem riding in a slot in the coupling is threaded out of the firing plunger as the coupling revolves, arming the fuze. Upon impact, the pluner rides forward on its creep spring, hitting the Primer Detonator M14, initiating the explosive train.

A micro-switch mounted on the bracket is located opposite the end of the arming stem and is in contact with the arming stem. This switch is wired into the ignition circuit of the guide flare, and is closed by the arming stem as it turns out, after about 350 feet of air travel, thus providing an additional safeguard against accidental ignition of the flare.

T59 and T62: These fuzes are generally like the Tail Mechanical Impact Fuze M112, with the cocked striker. Also, the arming spindle is not threaded in the striker sleeve; it slides out as the vanes thread it upward in the gear section of the fuze.

The T59 is used in the tail of the bomb warhead in the GB-4 Missile. The T62 is in the Destructor T9, which is also part of GB-4. The only difference between the fuzes is that they are made of different materials.

Figure 396. Tail Fuze M167

Figure 397. Tail Fuze T62