Fuzes: None.

Over-all length: 42 1/2 inches.

Lenght of body: 42 1/2 inches.

Diameter of body: 8 inches.

Thickness of wall: 1/16 inch.

Material of wall: Corrugated sheet steel.

Type of suspension: Horizontal.

Suspension lug: Normal Army suspension lug.

Color and markings: Black over-all.

Length of tail: None.

Width of tail: None.

Witdh of tail fins: None.

Dimensions of tail struts: None.

Material of tail: None.

Type of filling: 63 type 3 1/2-kg. bombs.

Weight of filling: 69 pounds.

Total weight of bomb: 92 pounds.

Charge/weight ratio: 75 percent.

Description: The container is formed by three interlocking sheets of corrugated steel closed at each end by hexagonal steel plates. The three side pieces are held in position by four encircling steel retaining bands and buckles. Two steel arming wires run longitu-dinally along the exterior of the container and pass through these buckles holding them closed. In addition two wires fit around the container. Where each of these wires is se-cured, there is a small black powder burster charge and a pull igniter. The pull cords of the igniters are attached to a ring on the arming wire. The nose plate is held in position by metal tabs, bent 90° on the forward edges of the sidepieces. The nosepiece has fit-tings to hold the fuzes of the seven forward bombs and prevent the vanes from rotating. The other bombs are kept unarmed in the container by placing the nose of each in the tail of the one preceding.

One of the sidepieces serves as the upper portion of the horizontally suspended contai-ner. To this section is spot welded a smooth semicircular sheet steel plate 31 inches long in the center of which is located the typical Army suspension lug. On each side of the lug between it and the inboard retaining bands, there is welded an eyebolt through which the arming wire passes.

The tail plate is held in position by three bungee cords which radiate from a central hub on the plate. Each cord terminates in a small hook which fits into a hole in each of the side pieces.

Operation: As the bomb container is released from the plane the arming wire is with-drawn. The releases the retaining band buckles and pulls the igniter cord. The retaining bands fall clear. After a 3-second delay the igniters fire the black powder charges, snap-ping the wires. The sidepieces of the container open at the forward end and allow the 1/2-kg. bombs to fall out nose first.

Figure 30 - Container for 63 Type 3 1/2-kg. Bombs.