DESCRIPTION. The fuze body consists of a cylindrical lower case, which is part of the shoulder or flange of the fuze. Projecting down from the flange is a metal ring which fits the sides of the fuze pocket. Another metal ring projects upward from the flange. Inside the opening formed by this ring fits a safety cap held in position by three spring-loaded balls. A retaining collar fits around the ring to hold these springs in place. Under the safety cap is coiled 2 1/2 feet on lanyard twine attached to an arming pin placed in the central hole in the striker pellet. Resting against a shoulder of a tapered fitting inside the fuze and located in a channel in the striker pellet are two steel balls, which prevent mo-vement of the spring-loaded striker. Beneath the striker is a percussion cap, and screw-ed into the base of the fuze is a pytrotechnic delay of 7 1/2 seconds.

OPERATION. When the bomb is placed in the plane, the twine outside the cap is secur-ed to the dropping gear. When the bomb is released, this twine unreels and becomes taut by reason of the knot under the safety cap. This knot pulls off the cap, uncoils the 2 1/2 feet of twine, and withdraws the arming pin. The balls then fall inwards, and the striker is forced by its spring into the percussion cap. The flash from the cap ignites the 7 1/2-second pytrotechnic delay train, which in turn initiates the bomb or flare.

REMARKS. 1. This fuze is believed to be obsolete. (See fig. 173.)

Figure 173 – (59) Mechanical Aerial Burst Fuze