Description
The E1, later designated M69, was developed to establish new methods of disseminating chemical agents. The M69 incendiary was initially developed as the Bomb, Incendiary, Oil, 6-lb [pound], M56 but another item (a large demolition bomb) was also designated M56 and to avoid confusion the M56 was redesignated Bomb, Incendiary, Oil, 6 lb, M69.
The bomb body was a hexagonal case with a nose cup welded to the forward end. The nose cup, fuze and powder charges were sealed off from the rest of the case by an impact diaphragm.
During development, both a 5-pound chemical bomb E1, and a 6-pound chemical bomb E1 were tested. The diaphragm on the 5-pound E1 was 0.025 inches thick. The diaphragm on the 6-pound E1 was 0.008 inches thick.
The body is of a rounded hexagonal shape with the fuze in the side near the blunt end. The tail consists of gauze streamers about 4.5-inches in length.
Functioning
No information about functioning.
See Also
Source(s)
Old Chemical Weapons and Related Materiel Reference Guide (2018)
TM 3-400, Chemical Bombs and Clusters (1957)
OP 1664, Volume 2 - US Explosive Ordnance (1947)
USNBD - Bombs and Fuzes, Pyrotechnics (1945)
