Bomb, 115 lb Chemical, M70, M70A1, E46, E46R1, E52
Description
The M70 family of bombs was an aerial bomb that was fin-stabilized and cylindrical in shape with an ogive nose and conical tail section. The bomb was equipped with a burster well running, axially, the entire length of the bomb and forming the press-fit closure for the filling aperture, which was at the nose or ogive of the bomb. The burster well was also threaded to facilitate the installation of the nose fuze after the burster had been inserted into the burster well.
The tail assembly consisted of four fins welded to a sleeve, which was secured by a locking nut threading into the tail closing block.
The M70 and the M70A1 are identical with one exception: the M70 was filled with mustard (H) and the M70A1 was filled with distilled mustard (HD).
Hazardous Components
The M70 and M70A1 can contain several payloads, including H (57.1 - 60.7 lbs, 25.9 - 27.9 kg), HD (60 - 60.6 lbs, 27.2 - 27.4 kg), Lewisite (L), NP, or WP.
The E46 and E46R1 contained GA (49 lbs, 22.2 kg) or GB (42 lb, 19 kg).
See Also
Source(s)
Old Chemical Weapons and Related Materiel Reference Guide (2018)
Old Chemical Weapons Reference Guide (1998)
OP 2216, Volume 1 - Aircraft Bombs, Fuzes, and Associated Components (1960)
TM 3-400, Chemical Bombs and Clusters (1957)
OP 1664, Volume 2 - US Explosive Ordnance (1947)
USNBD - Bombs and Fuzes, Pyrotechnics (1945)
TM 9-1904, Ammunition Inspection Guide (1944)
