I.B. 45-lb. Mk I (Service)

Fuzing

Color markings

Over-all length

Witdth

Weight empty

Weight filled

Description: The bomb consists of a square-section, tin-plate, 5-gallon, petrol can. On one face are two corrugated stiffeners, which serve to increase pieces between the can and the drop bar of the Small Bomb Container in which the bomb is carried. A char-ging hole, with screwed cap and washer, and another distance piece are provided at the top of the can. At diagonally opposite corners on the top of the can are two metal loops for attchment of the 12-in. by 21-in. fabric tail, which acts as a flight stabilizer. Two handles for lifting the bomb are soldered to opposite faces of the can. Bombs of later is-sue may have a third handle, located on the face, to which the stiffeners are soldered.

Functioning: The bomb is fuzeless and functions by break-up. The igniter consists of droplets of a liquid which reacts with water to produce small sparks. The liquid is disper-sed in a thick oil, which floats on water.

The sparks produced are not sufficient to ignite fuel oil or paraffin, but ignite petrol immediately. Thus, when the K.O.F.Q.R. and petrol charging is released on impact of the bomb with the surface of the water, the K.O.F.Q.R. ignites the petrol, which ignites the layer of oil floating on the water.

Suspension: Three of the bombs are carried in the Small Bomb Container, 250-lb.

Filling: The charging consists of 4½ gal. of aviation or M.T. petrol mixed with one quart of K.O.F.Q.R.

Remarks: This bomb is intended for the ignition of patches of fuel oil or petrol pre-sent on the surface of the sea, rivers, or other inland waterways, during attacks on oil-carrying vessels or oil-storage installations.

Figure 43 –I.B. 45-lb. Mk I