Patent GB-395568-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in bomb dropping devices for aircraft
IPC: B64D1/04
Filed: 1932-11-24
Abstract: 395,568. Bomb dropping from aircraft. HEBER, C., 14, Lauterbergerstrasse, Britz, Berlin. Nov. 24, 1932, No. 33258. Convention date, Nov. 24, 1931. [Class 9 (ii).] A device for dropping bombs from aircraft, with a predetermined spacing, comprises a number of bomb-releasing members, an adjustable controlling element for each member, an adjustable scale carrier, in relation to which the controlling elements can be set according to the speed of travel and the desired bomb spacing, and a uniformly travelling operating member adapted to actuate the controlling elements in succession to effect the release of the bombs. The apparatus shown is provided with means for dropping five bombs, which are released by members 55, Fig. 8, when electromagnets Ib .. Vb are either energized or deenergized, according to the design of the releasing-members used. The magnet circuits are controlled by switches I .. V, Figs. 3 and 5, each consisting of spring contacts. The switches can be spaced at predetermined distances apart, and are adapted to be automatically actuated in succession, the first switch (not shown) being actuated when a circuit through a magnet 20 is closed, and the remainder being swept by an operating member 15 carried by a band 16, which is adapted to be driven at a uniform speed by a spring motor 21. For the purpose of spacing the switches as required, they are mounted on bars connected by lazy-tongs (not shown), operable by a wheel 47, so that whilst the switches are maintained at equal distances apart the spacing may be varied. An index 9, moving with one of the switches, co-operates with scales carried by a rotatable cylinder 7. There are a number of scales, one plotted for each of a number of specified speeds of the aircraft, the scale markings indicating the spacing of the switches required, at given speeds of travel, for dropping the bombs at different distances apart. Having set the cylinder 7 so that the scale corresponding to his speed is in line with the index 9, the operator adjusts the switches so that the index is adjacent to the marking corresponding to the desired spacing of the bombs. A main switch 26 is closed, and a multiple-way switch 35 is set according to whether the releasing- magnets Ib .. Vb have been arranged to operate on closure of a normally open circuit or vice versa. A switch 27 is then closed, and this allows current to flow through the electromagnet 20, which actuates the first switch I, whereby the magnet Ib is rendered effective to release the first bomb : at the same time, the magnet 20 removes a detent from the spring motor, and the band 16 is driven. The operating member 15 closes the switches II .. V in succession, and the remaining bombs or any number of them are dropped at the predetermined intervals. To determine how many of the bombs are to be released, a contact device 23, comprising blade springs which are in the circuit of the magnet 20, is adapted to be set to the required number, as shown by indicators 25 associated with the switches I .. V. The circuit is broken, and the operating mechanism is thereby stopped, when a member carried by the band 16 separates the contacts. Lamps 30 are provided, one for each bomb, which show a red light while the bombs are suspended, and are extinguished one by one as the bombs drop. Circuit-breakers 56, Fig. 8, are controlled by the bombs, for the purpose of breaking the lamp circuits. The multiple-way switch 35 is adapted to be set to a special position for enabling the apparatus to be tested. With this setting, actuation of the switch 27 causes a green lamp 31 to be illuminated if the circuits are in order. A switch 28 comprising a number of spring fingers through which the circuits of the releasing- magnets may be completed simultaneously, is provided to enable all the bombs to be dropped together if desired. Provision is also made for plugging into the casing of the control apparatus connections to a distant switch, in parallel with and serving the purpose of the starting switch 27. Instead of a travelling member such as the band 16, there may be provided a stationary one, across which the controlling elements are adapted to move. It is stated that a device according to the invention may also be operated mechanically, pneumatically, or hydraulically.