CONSTRUCTION. The container is constructed of wood with small metal fittings. Three double compartments 13 3/4 inches long are formed by four wooden parti-tions 7/16 inch thick. Compartments are rectangular in shape with the corners cut off. The top and bot-tom spars are made up of five thin pieces of wood glued and nailed together. They are of flat cross sections and their inner sides are shaped to form a seating for two rows of 1-kg incendiary bombs. The three center spars are of circular cross section 1 inch in dia-meter. They pass through holes in the inner partitions and are glued into recesses cut in the end partitions. Each compartment contains 14 1-kg incendiary bombs held in a clus-ter against the round wooden spars by a steel securing band which passes through slots in the top and bottom spars. The top spar carries a suspension lug block, the charging head and the fuze body. Two insulated wires passing through a channel cut in the top spar connect the fuze with the charging head. (See fig. 101.)

From the side of the fuze holder a short metal tab projects through a slot in the side of the metal cover plate. A bowden cable, passing through three aluminum channel guides, is connected to the tab at one end and a weak anchorage on the remote end of the container at the other. The cable has three small steel blocks, each located by two small bolts. Each bomb securing band is fastened by a release catch on one end of the band, which passes through a slot in the other end, and which has a small hole drilled in it. Se-curing pins passing through these holes lock the bands. These pins are carried by three small plates, which are threaded on the bowden cable. Adjusting screws are provided for the band assembly.

On release from aircraft, the fuze is charged. After a set delay, the fuze fires, forcing off the part of the fuze holder to which the metal tab is attached. The bowden wire is torn away from its anchorage at the remote end and the three blocks bearing against the flanges of the plates effect the withdrawal of the securing pins. The securing bands are then free to open and release the bomb.

Figure 101 – AB 42 Container