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Normally when the bomb goes into a dive, the propulsion unit cuts out and the light fades, but cases have been reported where the bomb has glided some minutes before impact, with the propulsion unit cut out; it then falls with a slight whistle. In other cases again, the bomb has dived with the unit still running. In some instances the bomb has turned a complete circle at the end of its flight before diving, but usually it continues on almost a straight course, turning slightly to the left—or port—as it dives. The interval between the propulsion unit cutting out and impact with the ground has varied from 2 seconds to 2 minutes, but is usually between 5 and 15 seconds.
The bomb may also carry a clock-work device which can be set to alter course once only after launching through an angle up to 90 degrees. The duration of the flight and consequently the range is determined by the operation of an air log. After a pre-set period of flight, two electric detonators in the tail unit are fired which release a spring-loaded trip. This trip-lever locks the elevators in the diving position.
A small proportion of the flying bombs carry a wireless transmitter by means of which the enemy endeavours to assess the duration of the flight and point of impact of the bomb so fitted.
In some cases 23 small incendiary bombs of the type with an explosive charge in the tail (Exp. I.B.—see Figure 10) have been fitted inside the flying bomb and been scattered by its explosion on impact. They appear to be held inside the fuselage in one or more circular plates about 12 in. diameter with 23 perforations each of 2 in.
