1930s Bombs

[+Geezer]

To avoid wasting time re-inventing the wheel, though I'd ask if anybody in the WW2 threads knows anything about 1930s bombs.  Research has revealed the Chinese Air Force in 1937-38 used several different families of aircraft bombs.

 

In the days before universal bomb racks, what type of bomb rack specified in the purchase contract determined what family of bombs also had to be purchased.  Aircraft purchased from US manufacturers in the early-/mid-30s used racks designed to carry bombs developed late in WW1, and used through the 1930s. 

 

At some point in the 1930s, the US introduced the family of bombs used during WW2 that most enthusiasts are familiar with.  Photos clearly show aircraft purchased from the US in the mid-1930s had racks that could mount the later family of US bombs.

 

To further muddy the waters, China obtained military aid from the Soviet Union beginning in 1937, so 1930s Soviet bombs are also part of the equation.

Edited December 2, 2016 by Geezer

[+Geezer]

Things get really confusing when researching the Northrop Gamma 2E, which appears to have carried several different types of bomb racks to accommodate bombs of different sizes and types.  Several references describe a strike on the Japanese cruiser Izumo, anchored off Shanghai, with 1,000 lb bombs that missed and hit downtown Shanghai instead.  Shots below show the 2E could also carry large numbers of small 116 lb bombs.

 

 

 

 

[Stratos]

Not bomb related, I have a question for you. Did the Dragon Rapide saw military service in China?

 

Regarding bombs, ask DreamK in SAS forums, he's a ordinance specialist, I'm sure he will be able to help you.

 

http://www.sas1946.com/main/index.php?action=profile;u=204

[+Geezer]

Thanks, I'll contact DreamK and ask.  I've not found documentation that says the CAF used the Dragon Rapide, but so many different types of aircraft were used in China that it is possible a few were present, possibly as commercial aircraft.  There were even a few Heinkel 111s used in China!

 

For a list of operational CAF aircraft, go to http://surfcity.kund.dalnet.se/sino-japanese-1937.htm and scroll down to the bottom.