Wow, I feel like a new father - A submunitions section! Now for a first post -
I am looking for information/photos on a little known US submunition from WWII. It was known as the 3lb Type C MK32 Air-to-Air bomb. I have so far found reference to this submunition in only one document, NAVSEA Ordnance Pamphlet OP1664, Part 2. The OP has no diagrams, which has probably let the weapon go unidentified for decades. The pub states that the MK32 is identical to its larger cousin, the MK34. Both are delivered from the MK3 Mod 1 Bomb container, which held 20 of the 5lb MK34. The quantity of MK32s is not identified.
I have seen only two of the MK34, I have one and another collector in the US has the other. It is easily mistaken, as it is very similar in size and shape to Navy devices from the 1950s-70s known among other things as sound underwater signal (SUS) devices. There are many different SUS type devices, and it is easy to mistake the MK34 for one. The only way we eventually identified the MK34 was by finding the second one with nomenclature on it.
Ive included a picture of the MK34, as well as some of the SUS type pieces. Any information beyond OP1664 or pictures would be very helpful. A word of caution about SUS devices, there are many different types, in a large variety of sizes and designs. While some are harmless, many contain significant explosive charges. If you cannot immediately tell it is empty or do not have positive identification of the model and its functioning, use caution. JO
I am looking for information/photos on a little known US submunition from WWII. It was known as the 3lb Type C MK32 Air-to-Air bomb. I have so far found reference to this submunition in only one document, NAVSEA Ordnance Pamphlet OP1664, Part 2. The OP has no diagrams, which has probably let the weapon go unidentified for decades. The pub states that the MK32 is identical to its larger cousin, the MK34. Both are delivered from the MK3 Mod 1 Bomb container, which held 20 of the 5lb MK34. The quantity of MK32s is not identified.
I have seen only two of the MK34, I have one and another collector in the US has the other. It is easily mistaken, as it is very similar in size and shape to Navy devices from the 1950s-70s known among other things as sound underwater signal (SUS) devices. There are many different SUS type devices, and it is easy to mistake the MK34 for one. The only way we eventually identified the MK34 was by finding the second one with nomenclature on it.
Ive included a picture of the MK34, as well as some of the SUS type pieces. Any information beyond OP1664 or pictures would be very helpful. A word of caution about SUS devices, there are many different types, in a large variety of sizes and designs. While some are harmless, many contain significant explosive charges. If you cannot immediately tell it is empty or do not have positive identification of the model and its functioning, use caution. JO
