Position and method of fixing in bomb: The fuze is located in the nose of the flare case and is secured by lock nut.

Components of explosive train: Primer flash cap and delay train incorporated in delay container.

Fuzes likely to be found with: None.

Delay times: May be varied by changing type of delay container.

Threads: 1 3/32 inches in diameter, 15 threads per inch.

Description: The upper body portion houses the arming vane assembly and the spring-loaded pin used for holding the safety wire firmly in its holes. A ball race is also present to provide smooth operating surface for the vanes (not shown). The lower body portion contains the arming sleeve into which three steel balls are fitted and which lock the stri-ker when in the unarmed position (as shown). A primer flash cap and a powder delay comprise the explosive train.

Operation: The lock nut is tightened over the vanes which rest in the ball race. On re-lease from the aircraft the safety wire is withdrawn from its holes, allowing the vanes to rotate, thus screwing the arming spindle downward. The arming spindle is prevented from rotating by the locating keys. The stop stud prevented the arming vane sleeve from being tightened down too far during fuze assembly. As the arming spindle moves down-ward, the striker and its spring move also until the striker forces the balls to move into the groove cut into the lower body (the striker is under spring pressure). As the balls move outward, the striker moves downward, under spring action, and pierces the primer to initiate the explosive train.

Remarks: The lock nut is used for fastening the fuze securely in the body of the bomb.

This fuze has been found with three variations of arming vanes:

1. Six large flat vanes with slight pitch.

2. "French type" vanes.

3. Anemometer type vanes with six cups.

Figure 135 – D-3 (a) Bomb Fuze.