Description
The Mk XIV is the arming vane type, arming after several revolutions of the vane. The vane cup which moves up with the vane on arming frees a series of metal balls which permit the striker to be held off the fuze housing only by a shear wire.
The instantaneous primer detonator, the Mk IIB, is a separate component consisting of primer, black powder, mercury fulminate, and tetryl. It is quite sensitive and dangerous to handle. On impact, the firing pin functions the primer detonator which in turn functions the M26 Tetryl Booster which functions the TNT charge in the bomb body.
The use of this fuze was dangerous because it armed so quickly and functions instantaneously on impact. If dropped singly, the fuze’s arming so quickly may function the bomb directly beneath the plane due to accidental impact.
Functioning
No information about functioning.
See Also
Nothing else to see.
Source(s)
TM 9-1904, Ammunition Inspection Guide (1944)
