BOMB HANDLING (FUSING AND LOADING) [Main Title]

Log in to create clips, download free screeners and save clips/films in Collections. Click here to find out more.


  • Title: BOMB HANDLING (FUSING AND LOADING) [Main Title]
  • Film Number: AMY 646
  • Other titles:
  • Summary: Procedures for assembling sectional bombs, handling bombs prior to loading onto aircraft and precautions and methods of loading and unloading bombs on Lancaster aircraft.
  • Description: Reel 1: “Loading 12,000lb Sectional Bombs on to Lorry and Trailer from Railway Truck” - loading 12,000lb sectional bombs in 4,000lb sections onto trailer with a crane – order of loading, rear section first. Method of unloading sections. Order of loading is to ensure they are in correct order for assembly when offloading. “Offloading Heavy Bombs at Operational Unit” - Use of rope, ramp and effect of gravity to help unload bomb sections. Rope passed over and under bomb section allows for it to be controlled by a single person as it is rolled off lorry. Reel 2: “Assembling Sections Of 12,000lb Bomb” - Using “Rotation Table” to help ensure sections of bomb align correctly for assembly. Process of assembling sections explained. Method of rotating sections to align bolts to join sections described. “Rolling 12,000lb Sectional Bomb on to Trolley, using Tractor, and Final Assembly” - Loading onto Type E trolley before final assembly of tail unit, nose fairing and lugs. Preparing trolley for loading the store. Rope used again to control moving the store although this time it is attached to tractor via pulley on trolley to assist loading. Reel 3: Method used to rotate the “store” on trolley using the splined rollers to bring the lug holes uppermost. Cleaning out lug holes and fixing suspension and hoisting lugs to the store. Tail unit and nose fairing fitted. Bridle fitted for moving store to Fuzing shed. “Manual Method of Rolling 12,000lb Sectional Bomb on to Trolley” - procedure for loading a bomb manually – using 'fall-away' on the storage plinth and ropes to control rolling the bomb – similar roping technique using pulley on trolley. Crowbars used to move bomb. Reel 4: “Assembling 4,000lb H.C. Bomb” - film shows method of fuzing and assembling a 4,000lb bomb. Fitting the carrier lugs. Hoisting lugs fitted. Nose fairing assembled. “Fuzing 4,000lb Bomb” - Bomb trolley towed to Fuzing Shed – Armourer and assistant proceed to arm the bomb. Detonators inserted into cavities on bomb. Testing the “pistol” prior to installing in bomb. Connecting pistol trigger wire. “FZD” painted on bomb once fuzed. “Inspection of Fuzed 4,000lb Bomb before removal from Fuzing Shed” - Senior NCO checks pistols and lugs for damage etc. and security of bomb on trolley. Reel 5: - “Loading 4000lb Bomb on to Lancaster Aircraft” - Film demonstrates the correct procedure for loading a 4,000lb bomb onto a Lancaster (NG322 - JN•F). Testing bomb release electrical circuits and mechanisms prior to loading bomb and preparing bomb “station” settings. Preparing the bomb bay release mechanisms (e.g. fuze setting control links, release unit cover removed and unit operation checked) and bomb positioned in preparation for loading. Portable hydraulic winches loaded onto aircraft and positioned for lifting bomb. Bomb lugs engage release unit jaws and unit checked and carrier housing cover replaced. Reel 6: - Winches removed on completion of lifting, bomb fuzing control links fitted but not safety pins not removed. Electrical settings checked. “Off-Loading 4000lb Bomb from Lancaster Aircraft” - visual inspection of bomb bay to ensure it is safe to open bomb doors. Precautions taken prior to unloading bomb. Process for unloading. Reel 7: - “Preparations for De-Bombing (General)” - “Bombs and Clusters” - visual inspection of bomb bay to ensure it is safe to open bomb doors, electrical circuits disabled safety pins replaced in fuze pistols. “Additional Procedure for Mines” - detonator covers replaced and secured, hydrostatic arming switch wire removed from fuzing units, parachute static lines disconnected and stowed. “Hang-ups – Bomb still suspended” - procedure taken in event of hang-up. “Hang-ups – Store on Bomb Doors” - Duty Armament Officer consulted as to what action to take. Film demonstrates the removal of an American 1000lb MC bomb ftteed with American AMN 101A2 fuze. Armament Officer inspects bomb bay, doors opened slightly and safety devices refitted to bomb. Sand bag 'bed' built up under bomb bay doors, doors opened and store allowed to drop onto sand bag bed. Carrier fitted and store winched up, sand bags removed and bomb placed onto trolley.
  • Alternative Title:
  • Colour: B&W
  • Digitised:
  • Object_Number: AMY 646
  • Sound: Sound
  • Access Conditions:
  • Featured Period: 1939-1945
  • Production Date: 1944
  • Production Country: GB
  • Production Details: ROYAL AIR FORCE (Production sponsor) Science Films ()
  • Personalities, Units and Organisations:
  • Keywords:
  • Physical Characteristics:
  • Technical Details:
  • HD Media:
  • Link to IWM Collections page:

    AMY 646

  • Related IWM Collections Objects:
Register