Bomb, 250 lb GP, AN-M57, AN-M57A1
Description
These bombs are all general purpose high explosive bombs.
The standard color scheme employed on these bombs since 11 March 1942 has been an olive drab body with yellow bands to indicate the HE filler. The banding system for Amatol and TNT fillers is a one inch yellow band at the nose, a one-inch yellow band at the tail of the bomb body, and a 1/4-inch dotted band at the center of gravity. Because Composition "B" is more sensitive and requires more careful handling, it is given an additional marking consisting of a second one-inch yellow band at the nose and at the tail. On these bands "Comp. B" is stenciled in black paint. Recent production eliminates the 1/4-inch band, since the center of gravity is located accurately enough by the single suspension lug.
The total length of this bomb is 47.8 inches and the diameter is 10.9 inches. The weight of the case is 116. 6 pounds and the fins weigh 6.0 pounds.
Hazardous Components
The filler is either 123.7 pounds of 50/50 Amatol or 129 pounds of TNT. The total weight of the bomb filled with Amatol is 240.9 pounds and if filled with TNT it weighs 262.3 pounds. Percentage of filler is approximately 49 percent.
See Also
General Information, AN Series Bombs
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)
