Mission expenditure report Time delay fuse question

[Chris Going]

Glad of the expertise on display here. First post but possibly not an entry level question.

I am pulling apart an 8th AF expenditure report for Feb 25th 1945. It records expenditure of 500lb M17 fused M127 (Mech Time). Now the delay is given as (for example) 38, 38.5, 39, 37.6, 37.9.

Does anyone know what these settings mean in elapsed time? Are we looking at hours -if so why the decimal.

With high hopes...

ChrisG

 

[HAZORD]

The M17 Bomb is an aimable incendiary cluster bomb. The M127 is a mechanical time fuze to open the cluster. It could be set for instantaneous on impact or set for a time delay of 5 to 92 seconds. The times you are referring to are most likely the time settings of the fuze in seconds from time of drop to the opening of the cluster.

 

[Chris Going]

Hazord

-very many thanks for your reply. Speedy and concise. I'm indebted to you

Chris G

 

[Antoon]

What was the target of this mission

Greetings Antoon