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Re: German bomb releases
Yes, the jettison system was purely mechanical. The jettison handle was linked to a number of cables which were connected to each bomb rack which when pulled mechanically unlocked the "hook" mechanism which supported the weight of the bomb. This caused the bomb to fall regardless of anything. If the charging circuits were armed the bomb would fall "live". If the charging circuits were "off" then the bomb would fall inert. The arming and safing is described in some detail in the appendix of Volume 2 of our Dive Bomber Units book.
The jettison cable is often visible in photos at the back of ETC racks. In ESAC racks they are led to the rack via pullies over the top.
DGS
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