Introduction

These bombs are thin-walled and have a high charge/weight ratio. They are used for general bombardement purposes on operations where maximum blast damage is required. At the present time this series includes bombs of 2,000, 4,000, 8,000, and 12,000 pounds.

The earlier marks of these bombs are provided with side fuzing positions, which are used for special operations; the bombs normally being fuzed in the nose only. The later marks of the 2,000- and 4,000-lb. bombs, and all of the 8,000- and 12,000-lb. bombs of the series, have three nose-fuze pockets, all of which generally are used.

Central exploder tubes are at present fitted in all types of H.C. bombs, and where side fuzing positions or nose fuzing position offset from the longitudinal axis of the bomb are used, auxiliary exploder tubes connect the fuzing positions to the central tube.

These bombs are characterized by dome-shaped noses and parallel sides, and may be fitted with nose attachments to retard the bomb in flight. Drum-type tails are generally used, althrough the 2,000-lb. bomb may be fitted with a parachute attachment, and the 12,000-lb. bombs sometimes incorporate the normal G.P. type tail assembly, i.e. tail cone, cylindrical strut, and four fins.

The body is usally welded together and the tail bolted on. The 8,000- and 12,000-lb. bombs consists of two and three body sections, respectively, bolted together.

H.C. bombs are supplied uncrated, and are fitted with transit rings. All fuzing positions areplugged with transit plugs. Tails, nose attachments, and parachute attachments are supplied in separate packages.