GB495329A - Improvements in bomb carrying and release mechanism for aircraft - Google Patents

Abstract

495,329. Bomb - dropping apparatus. ANDREWS, W. R., ILETT, S. C., and SCOTTISH AIRCRAFT & ENGINEERING CO., Ltd., (in Liquidation). May 10, 1937, No. 13317. [Class 9 (ii)] Bomb carrying and release mechanism for aircraft comprises a number of bomb carriers or carriages mounted for gravitational movement upon a framework, means for releasing one or more of the carriages at will, and means operated by the gravitational movement of the carriages for releasing each bomb from its carriage at a predetermined point, the framework being so constructed that the carriages, at the conclusion of their descent, are automatically stacked in a position clear of the path of the succeeding bombs. In the construction shown, the movable carriages comprise upper and lower spindles 7, 8 connected by links 9, and a bomb-attachment device 10 carried by a sleeve 11 freely mounted on the spindle 7. Two pinions on each spindle 7 mesh with vertical toothed racks 13 which are secured to the members 2 of the framework. The device 10 is fitted with claws 20 adapted, under spring. pressure, to grip a handle fitted to each bomb 6. Each carriage is normally supported in the raised position by a trigger 31 or a pair of triggers pivoted to either or both of the pillars 1 of the framework. The triggers engage beneath rollers 14 on the spindles 7 and can be released separately or simultaneously by mechanical or electrical means operated by a distant control. The lower spindle 8 is fitted with guide rollers 15 engaging with the frame members 2 and carries a bracket 16 for holding the bomb clear of the frame during its descent and bomb steadying devices 17 comprising adjustable screws 18 having heads 19 which bear against the sides of the bomb. A further steadying device for each bomb comprises a two-armed lever comprising arms 39, 42 fitted with screw stops 41, 43, for engaging respectively with a bomb 6 and pillar 1. These levers are carried by spindles 35 the inner ends of which are carried by the pillars 1. A framework 34 fitted with a fuze-conditioning device is mounted on a sleeve 36 of each spindle 35. An arm 37, carried by the sleeve and having a forked end 38 adapted to engage an end of the spindle 8, normally maintains the fuze-conditioning device in axial alignment with the bomb. When a trigger 31 is actuated, a bomb and its carriage fall together until a roller 28 on a link 27 carried by the device 10 engages with a cam 30 fitted to a channel 29 in which the roller slides. The link is connected by toggle links to the jaws 20 and when moved by the cams, opens the jaws to release the bomb. The carriage then descends alone and upon reaching the inclined portions 45, 47 at the base of the frame is guided by its rollers 14, 15 to a position clear of the path of the remaining bombs.