18
of the magnesium-electron type, each shaped like a large tumbler, 2¼ in. at the base, 3¾ in. in diameter at the top, and 5¾ in. long, together with 67 small incendiary units are ejected. These are about 2½ in. long and triangular in section, the side being about 1 in. and they have a magnesium type filling. The detonation of the 17 lb. charge of T.N.T. in the nose of the main bomb follows almost immediately. To distinguish these bombs from a 50 kg. H.E. when unexploded, it may be noted that they have a screwed filling plug in the nose, and have "SPRENGBRAND C 50" stencilled in black lettering, indicating their composite nature (Spreng = explosive; Brand = fire or incendiary). Details of the firepot assembly are shown in Figure 20B. These
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Figure 20B.—Components of Firepot Incendiary Bomb
illustrate the components which may be found near an exploded bomb of this type. The firepot is shown at a; the metal containers at b; an igniter plate at c; and the perforated bracket side spacer and central pillar at d, e and f respectively. This bomb is sometimes fitted with a flare-type fuze designed to make the bomb burst in the air and scatter its incendiary contents.
2. MINES DROPPED ON LAND
(a) Parachute Mines (P.M.)
Parachute mines dropped on land in this country so far have been of two types. Figures 21 and 22 show the smaller or D" type, and Figure 23 the larger or "C" type. Both types are cylindrical and 2 ft. 2 in. in diameter, the difference being only in the length, which in one is 5 ft. 8 in., and the other 8 ft. 8 in., without the tail bowl.
The nose of the mine is roughly hemispherical; the other end is open, but until the mine is released from the aircraft this open end is covered by a hemispherical bowl about 16 in. deep, with the parachute stowed inside. When the mine is dropped from the aircraft, this bowl is pulled off and opens the parachute, to which it is attached by four
