Bomb, 20 lb Frag, AN-M41, AN-M41A1, M41, M41A1
Description
The 20 pound frag bomb AN-M41A1 is constructed of a thin tubular sleeve holding a steel fragmenting coil and a cast steel nose and tail pieces. The sleeve is threaded to the nose and tail pieces. The fin, assembly is made of rectangular sheet steel vanes welded to a 1-inch diameter pipe. The threaded end of the pipe is secured to the base filling plug. The nose section of the bomb is threaded to receive an impact fuze . At the center of gravity, a U-shaped eyebolt of steel is welded to the bomb case for horizontal suspension; an eyebolt is welded to the tail for vertical suspension. Approximately 13 percent of the weight of the bomb (complete) is explosive filler.
Frag bomb AN-M41, which is the earlier model, differs from the AN-M41A1 in length. A change in construction added a 1/2-inch shoulder to the nose of the bomb to facilitate clustering with unfuzed bombs. This change in design constitutes the A1 modification. Frag bomb AN-M41, when issued in cluster form, is always fuzed.
Fragmentation bomb AN-M41A2, a modification of fragmentation bomb AN-M41A1, has no suspension lug on the bomb body or on the aft end of the fin assembly.
Hazardous Components
Approximately 13% of the complete weight of the bomb is explosive filler, either Amatol 50/50 (2.57 lb) or TNT (2.7 lb).
See Also
Bomb, 23 lb Frag, AN-M40, AN-M40A1
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)
