Cutaway model of a ZtZ59B. This German WW2 pyrotechic time fuze was used in the SC250 high explosive bomb, as well as in the LC50 and FA 50 parachute flares. The main parts of the fuze are aluminium made. These are the fuze body (1), the pyrotechnic fuze housing (2), and the lock up ring (3). In top of the fuze housing a white plastic filler piece (4) is placed in which the wiring is placed, as well as the selector switch (5) for the selectable time delay.
One of two plungers -A or B- is electrically activated during bomb release, igniting one of three igniter bridges which ignite the pyrotechnic powder train. The pyrotechnic powdertrain is placed on both top and bottom side of the pyrotechnic fuze housing (2), consisting of a machined groove (6) that runs approximately 340 of 360 degrees around. At one end a hole connects both sides of the pyrotecnic fuzes, forming it into one long pyrotechnic fuze. Depending upon the place where the pyrotechnic fuze is ignited, the running time is longer or shorter. (see drawing picture 3). If –upon bomb release – plunger A is electrically powered, the 12 seconds delay fuze is ignited. If Plunger B is electrically powered two delays can be activated; 41 or 58 seconds. This can be set by rotating the black selector switch (5) on top of the fuze housing.
On picture 01 one can see the brass igniter bridge housing (7) with the hole from which the flame appears, below it the hole through whitch the pyrotechnic delay train is ignited. For clearity puroses the brass igniter housing (7) has been rotated a little so the hole is clearly visable.
If the ZtZ59B is equiped with the Kz Zdlg.(Kurze Zundladung / short booster) C/98 (8) as depicted here, it is used with the SC250 high explosive bomb. If it is used with the LD50 or FA50 parachute flare it is equiped with a black powder filled bakelite booster, screwed to the base of the fuze, used to activate the flares.
Regards, DJH
One of two plungers -A or B- is electrically activated during bomb release, igniting one of three igniter bridges which ignite the pyrotechnic powder train. The pyrotechnic powdertrain is placed on both top and bottom side of the pyrotechnic fuze housing (2), consisting of a machined groove (6) that runs approximately 340 of 360 degrees around. At one end a hole connects both sides of the pyrotecnic fuzes, forming it into one long pyrotechnic fuze. Depending upon the place where the pyrotechnic fuze is ignited, the running time is longer or shorter. (see drawing picture 3). If –upon bomb release – plunger A is electrically powered, the 12 seconds delay fuze is ignited. If Plunger B is electrically powered two delays can be activated; 41 or 58 seconds. This can be set by rotating the black selector switch (5) on top of the fuze housing.
On picture 01 one can see the brass igniter bridge housing (7) with the hole from which the flame appears, below it the hole through whitch the pyrotechnic delay train is ignited. For clearity puroses the brass igniter housing (7) has been rotated a little so the hole is clearly visable.
If the ZtZ59B is equiped with the Kz Zdlg.(Kurze Zundladung / short booster) C/98 (8) as depicted here, it is used with the SC250 high explosive bomb. If it is used with the LD50 or FA50 parachute flare it is equiped with a black powder filled bakelite booster, screwed to the base of the fuze, used to activate the flares.
Regards, DJH
