When the bomb strikes the ground the detonator falls down on the
charge, fires the latter, and thus brings about the bursting of
the bomb. The projectile is of the shrapnel type. It weighs 20
pounds complete, is charged with some four pounds of T.N.T., and
carries 340 steel balls, which represent a weight of 5 3/4
pounds.
The firing mechanism is extremely sensitive and the bomb will
burst upon impact with the hull of an airship, water, or soft
soil. This projectile, when discharged, speedily assumes the
vertical position, so that there is every probability that it
will strike the ground fairly and squarely, although at the same
time such an impact is not imperative, because it will explode
even if the angle of incidence be only 5 degrees. It is
remarkably steady in its flight, the balancing and the design of
the tail frustrating completely any tendency to wobble or to turn
turtle while falling.
Other types of missile may be used. For instance, incendiary
bombs have been thrown with success in certain instances. These
bombs are similar in shape to the shrapnel projectile, but are
charged with petrol or some other equally highly inflammable
mixture, and fitted with a detonator.
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