Aircraft Destruction Mechanisms

[khanmak]

At the risk of repeating a question asked on an earlier thread (which I'm sure I've seen on here before but cant find), does anybody know anything (or point me to the earlier thread!) about self destruct charges fitted to either axis or allied aircraft during WW2. Obviously potential hazards when working on aircraft wreck recoveries would include ordnance, pyrotechnics and ammunition, but were any actual self destruct charges fitted to aircraft to enable them to be destoyed by the crew if they crash landed in enemy territory? In addition to the hazards mentioned above, cable cutting charges could also be added (perhaps not commonly thought about). I believe that at least 16 of these were fitted to Lancaster wing leading edges!
Any help much appreciated!
Cheers
Mark

[TimG]

Mark,

The Lancaster was definitely fitted with a switch on the underside so that if the aircraft was abandoned in flight and made a belly landing the aircraft would be destroyed. Also, some radio equipment e.g. H2S, were sometimes fitted with small charges to facilitate their destruction and prevent their falling into enemy hands.

Contact PeterG, he dealt with an accident many years back where someone was injured playing with some surplus RAF comms equipment.

Regards

Tim

[TonyE]

I have details somewhere, I think in an Enemy Ammunition pamphlet, of the Italian aircraft destruction device. I will try to find and post it.

Although not what you asked, I have details of the WWI British destruction charge carried on aircraft. The instructions for use conclude with the very astute "Run away"!

Regards
TonyE

[dano1917]

Mark,

The Lancaster was definitely fitted with a switch on the underside so that if the aircraft was abandoned in flight and made a belly landing the aircraft would be destroyed. Also, some radio equipment e.g. H2S, were sometimes fitted with small charges to facilitate their destruction and prevent their falling into enemy hands.

Contact PeterG, he dealt with an accident many years back where someone was injured playing with some surplus RAF comms equipment.

Regards

Tim

Hi Tim, Sure glad you clarified "abandoned in flight" as I would sure hate to think that there would be a self destruct mechanism that might go off during a routine "crash landing"...............Dano

[TimG]

Just looked at an abridged owner's manual for the Lancaster, there were two incendiary bombs located on the forward face of the forward spar for use in the destruction of the aircraft.

TimG

[khanmak]

Tim/Tony thanks for your info!

Dano - yes I think you are right - the idea of flying around in aircraft, full of petrol and explosives would not have been made any easier with a built in self destruct mechanism!

Cheers

Mark

[Antoon]

In some type of radio and navigation equipment of British bombers have been build small explosive devises to destroy these equipment. Several different models have been used. On type that have been used as a explosive destruction devise is 100 mm long and 19 mm in diameter with in red the text Detonator or No. D64 Mk I.

[V40]

The U-2 that was shot down over Russia with Gary Powers flying it had a self destruct button inside. But this was in the very early 1960's. So I guess it does'nt belong. My apoligies.

[Bonnex]

Tim/Tony thanks for your info!

Dano - yes I think you are right - the idea of flying around in aircraft, full of petrol and explosives would not have been made any easier with a built in self destruct mechanism!

Cheers

Mark

Mark,

Not in the category of 'self destruct' but in 1943 there were three hand operated incendiaries for the destruction of aircraft in the RAF:
1. A variation of the 1 1/4 lb Incendiary (brasso tin)
2. Destructor Incendiary No 2 Petroleum gel for the destruction of gliders
3. US Grenade AN-M14

A special charge was produed by the SOE technical people for the destruction of the Eureka-Rebecca equipment in aircraft.

[Yodamaster]

Oups, the only charge I've found is german and of WW I ! Sorry for the quality.

Yoda