Bomb, 1000 lb GP, AN-M44, AN-M65, AN-M65A1
Description
These bombs are all general purpose high explosive bombs.
The 1000 lb GP Bomb AN-M65A1 has a cylindrical metal casing, an ogival nose, and a tapered aft end. A box-type fin assembly is secured to the aft end of the bomb with a fin locknut.
Both a nose and a tail fuze are generally used for the majority of operations with this bomb. The AN-M65A1 uses an adapter-booster that will accommodate tail fuzes with 2-inch diameter threads. A fuze adapter is used on the inside of the adapter- booster to convert the seat to accommodate fuzes with the smaller 1-1/2 inch threads.
Special studs attached to the base plug and imbedded in the solidified explosive filler prevent removal of the base plug. The adapter-booster and fuze adapter are locked to the base plug with a locking pin that extends from the adapter-booster to a groove in the base plug.
Approximately 50 percent of the complete weight of the bomb is explosive filler. Double suspension lugs are welded 14 inches apart and a single suspension lug is welded to the opposite side of the bomb case.
The bomb is painted olive drab; yellow color bands and black stenciled nomenclature identify the bomb and its high explosive charge.
The AN-M65A1 bomb contains antiwithdrawal pins in the base plug and an adapter-booster and fuze adapter that can be locked in place. The earlier AN-M65 bomb lacks these antiwithdrawal features.
Released weight of the AN-M65 is greater than that of the AN-M65A1, the AN-M65 having an explosive charge of 53 percent as compared to the 50 percent ratio of the AN- M65A1 bomb.
The AN-M44 bomb, an earlier model of the 1000 lb GP bomb, is similar to the AN-M65 but has an Adapter-Booster M102 assembled which will accept only fuzes with a 1-1/2 inch diameter thread.
Hazardous Components
Possible fillers for the AN-M65 include:
•Amatol (530 lb, 240.9 kg)
•TNT (555 lb, 252.3 kg)
•Composition B (560 lb, 254.5 kg)
•Tritonal (595 lb, 270.5 kg)
The fuzing of these bombs is the same except that the Tail Fuzes AN-Mk 230 and Mods and Mk 240 Mod 0 can be used in the 1,000-pound GP Bomb AN-M65, since this bomb has the Adapter Booster M115 (or M115A1).
The 1,000-pound GP Bombs AN-M44, AN-M65, and AN-M65A1 differ in the adapter booster which is employed in the base plate to receive the tail fuze. The AN-M44 uses the Adapter Booster M102; the AN-M65 uses the Adapter Booster M115; and the AN-M65A1 uses the Adapter Booster M115A1.
See Also
General Information, AN Series Bombs
Tail, Hydrostatic, AN-Mk 230 Mod 3 - 6
Tail, Hydrostatic, Mk 240 Mod 0
Source(s)
TM 9-1325-200, Bombs and Bomb Components (1966)
OP 2216, Volume 1 - Aircraft Bombs, Fuzes, and Associated Components (1960)
OP 1280, Aircraft Bombs (1955)
OP 1664, Volume 2 - US Explosive Ordnance (1947)
USNBD - Bombs and Fuzes, Pyrotechnics (1945)
TM 9-1904, Ammunition Inspection Guide (1944)
