Page 647 radio acoustic ranging 6841 



6841. The Bombing Station 



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The bombing station is the deck space on board ship where the final step of bomb 

 preparation takes place, and where the bombs are ignited and thrown overboard. It 

 should be located near the stern of the vessel and the position from which bombs are 

 thrown overboard must be near the rail and unobstructed by rigging. 



The important feature of the bombing station is the bomb locker in which the 

 bombs are stowed. This is constructed to be used as a workbench by the bomber 

 in the final preparation of the bombs. It should contain several metal-lined drawers 

 of various depths to accommodate bombs of various sizes. Metal from which sparks 

 can be struck must not be used in the construction. The top of the locker should be con- 

 structed as a workbench with four sides to prevent bombs from rolling off, and the bot- 

 tom and sides of the recessed bench should be cushioned with a layer of heavy felt or 

 other padding material. It should be fitted with a hinged cover which may be raised 

 and secured in an upright position. A small padded compartment should be provided 

 in which to stow the detonators needed for immediate use. 



The heating element of an electric stove is a convenient and safe means for lighting 

 bomb fuses. Two types are manufactured: one is an open type, the wire coil being 

 exposed; but in the other, known as a calrod element, the wire coil is enclosed in a 

 protective metal tube. The latter type is preferable, for the heating element is protected 

 from spray and it does not burn out readily, but it requires a little more time to reach 

 the required heat for lighting the fuse. The heating element should be protected in a 

 metal container, and located in a protected place near the rail where the bombs are 

 thrown overboard. 



The bombing station should be isolated from the rest of the ship as far as prac- 

 ticable. When R.A.R. is in progress and bombs are being fired, warning notices, "no 

 smoking" signs, or red flags should be displayed just forward of the station in all passage- 

 ways leading aft. No one must be allowed to smoke in the vicinity of the bombing 

 station and the bomber on watch must be instructed to see that this regulation 

 is enforced. 



6842. Final Preparation of Bombs 



The final step in preparing a bomb is carried out just before it is to be ignited and 

 thrown overboard, between the first signal for a bomb and the final signal to light it 

 (see 6741). 



A number of fuses of various lengths, with detonators attached, are prepared in 

 advance for immediate use. The desired length of fuse is cut from the coil, preferably 

 with a pair of fuse clippers. It is important to cut the fuse square across and insert it 

 into the detonator soon after being cut. The fuse is inserted into the detonator and 

 seated firmly against the explosive, but without any twisting motion. If the fuse is 

 twisted while in contact with the explosive, friction might cause detonation. A crimping 

 tool that makes a watertight crimp should be used to attach the detonator to the fuse. 

 Such tools are designed so they will not pinch the fuse and interfere with its burning. 

 The detonator should be crimped about one-eighth inch from the open end, and after 

 the first crimp it should be rotated about one-quarter turn and crimped again in the 

 same place. The detonator should never be crimped in two places, one above the other, 

 in an attempt to make a watertight seal, for the lower crimp might be too close to the 

 explosive material. 



