LWB I Wasserbombe

[Chris Goss]

Apart from what is at the BA, does anyone have any more information on this depth charge? The Ju 88 could carry 6 using ETC 500s but photos and information are rare. A good friend has discovered this:

3 Dec 1941 / 23 Apr 42:
... Due to the Luftwaffenführungsstab I T Nr. 171/42, all land bomber aircraft use only SC bombs for anti-submarine warfare. …

(SC 250 without tail unit - detonator for AZ [38] for SC bombs converted into depth charges against submerged submarines.)

... The use of aircraft depth charges (LWB = Luft-Wasser-Bombe) is possible only for the following seaplane models that are already equipped with the appropriate equipment: Ar 95, He 115, Fokker T-8 W, BV 138. ...

[edwest2]

Chris,


Here is a reference to the Luftmine A and Luftmine B. I hope it's helpful.


https://www.iwm.org.uk/collections/item/object/30020471


See this site for the LMA and following L designations. Scroll down.


https://www.navweaps.com/Weapons/WAMGER_Mines.php

[Chris Goss]

Thanks Ed but I am asking about LWB (Depth charges-anti submarine) as opposed to LMB (anti ship mines)

[edNorth]

The LWB I and WBD weighted 180 kg, had 125 kg Schw.18 (Black powder?)
Versions WBD II (different explosive and fuzes), and Ju 88 A-1 & A-5 could carry six
of these bombs on six ETC 500, as could the He 111 H-5 (presumably externally),
but He 115 just three (internal), He 59 three usw.
Hope have fuller explanation when writing all up.

Reason for non-use maybe that SC 250 was more readily available (middle 1941)
and German "sub-hunting" was more protective partrols of coastal shipping. But seeing
six ETC 500 manual for Ju 88 A-1 would be interesting, as normal was just four
(or two with two larger ETC racks).


Ed

[Chris Goss]

Thank you Ed; this is what else I have found:


Fl.W.B. 150 570 mm long x 450 mm diameter, 150 kg overall/c. 60 kg explosive charge
Fl.W.B. 190 570 x 450 mm, 190 kg overall (as above but with c. 125 kg charge)
Fl.W.B. 190 m.S. 730 x 450 mm with extension »Schale« (shell or cup?) "due to the dropping equipment", 195 kg overall.

Source: BA RL 7-2/149


LWB II (190 kg)
Aircraft Depth Charge. He 59 and He 115 could carry up to three depth charges while the He 111 and Ju 88 could carry up to six charges.