Warbirds Resource Group - Luftwaffe Bomb Annex - (24)A Mechanical Impact & Break-Up Fuze

(24)A Mechanical Impact
& Break-Up Fuze

DATA:
Bombs Used In: SC 2500 kg. bomb.
Color: Dark Grey.
Material: Light alloy, brass & steel.
Possible Actions: Short delay or break-up (Instantaneous).
Arming Times: N/A
Principal Markings: AZ (24) A.
Secondary Markings: None.

DESCRIPTION:
The AZ (24) is a mechanical impact fuze with a safety arming period of 10 seconds provided by the clockwork gear train. There are two striker systems incorporated: An inertia striker system to operate on impact and an anti-rupture striker to function in case there is any distortion of the bomb or fuze pocket on impact.
The two striker systems are located at opposite ends of the fuze seperated by a flash channel approximately 260mm long.
There are two pieces of wood secured together by four staples to form the packing between the two sections of fuze. The only difference between the (24) and (24)A is the metal covering around the wood packing. The (24)A has the covering and the (24) does not.

OPERATION:
    On release from the aircraft, the cover and safety pin are pulled away from the fuze allowing the detent bar to move acrosws. The speed of this movement is governed by a clockwork gear train.
    After 10 seconds the detent bar has moved sufficiently for the spring loaded plungers A and B to move into the recesses in the detent bar. The movement of plunger A releases and arms the striker system and the movement of plunger B releases a shutter which in turn allows the spring loaded detonator to move along the channel and position itself opposite the percussion cap of the bottom of the fuze. The percussion cap is part of the antirupture device.
    On impact the inertia striker pellet pierces the detonator cap, the flash from which ignites the powder pellets. This second flash travels through the channel to the spring-loaded detonator. This detonator sets off the hgaine and main charger..
    On impact should there be an excessive distortion of the bomb or fuze pocket, the striker in the antirupture device is forced by the ram into the percussion cap. The flash from this cap ignites the detonator, which in turn sets off the gaine and the main charge.

All information for this entry were acquired from Army Technical manual TM 9-1985-2/Air Force Technical Order TO 39B-1A-9
GERMAN EXPLOSIVE ORDNANCE (Bombs, Fuzes, Rockets, Land Mines, Grenades & Igniters)

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Updated October 19, 2002