swimmer25k Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 I have a 1/72 B-47 WIP that I initially started over on Z5, and moved it over here to ARC. Ive been scratchbuilding the weapons bay and I have a small hang up. I'm dropping in a huge Mk 41 into it. I have no references or information stating on how it is secured in the bay. Pylons and sway braces make sense. Great sense since I won't have to build it due to the bay ceiling being blocked out by the bomb. Ive heard that large arms would be wrapped around it, which would open up when it was time to drop it out of the bay. It would reasonably be one last safety measure for the aircrew to go back and arm the weapon. Any truth to this? Any help with photos would be greatly appreciated. thanks, Chris swimmer25k@hotmail.com Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Murph Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 (edited) The B-47 was originally equipped with THE U-2 pneumatically operated suspension system based on the RAF Lancaster's method of carrying the "Grand Slam" bomb. It could only carry a single weapon and the bomb was secured with a device resembling a large bicycle chain. This was eventually replaced by the "clip-in" system that could carry one of the larger weapons (Mk-15/39/41) or a couple of the smaller B28s. Go to this website for more detailed info on the two systems. LINK Here's a Mk-41 mounted on a "clip". Some of the larger bombs, like the B53 did have "arms" that cradled the bomb; they were attached to the clip and were thin, rectangular, curved pieces of metal that wrapped around the bomb's main body. In the documentary Trinity and Beyond LINK there's footage of the interior of a B-52 bomb bay in it that shows the arms swinging as as the weapon is dropped. There's also pictures on teh interwebbzz of a B53 at a museum mounted on a clip with the arms fitted. Regards, Murph Edited February 5, 2017 by Murph Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Finn Posted February 5, 2017 Share Posted February 5, 2017 Here is the early B-47 suspension system Murph mentioned: http://www.network54.com/Forum/149674/thread/1383426910/B-47+bomb+bay+photos Jari Quote Link to post Share on other sites
swimmer25k Posted February 5, 2017 Author Share Posted February 5, 2017 Murph and Finn, Thank you so much for the info. A fellow ARCer hooked me up with a bunch of photos, but your help will get me across the goal line. Thanks again, chris Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Finn Posted February 25, 2017 Share Posted February 25, 2017 Go here: https://app.box.com/s/3ca2864b8fc8f253e8b0/1/299113674/2373739924/1 scroll down to page V-73 to see a drawing of two different shapes in the B-47 bomb bay, they should give you an idea how to fit yours in. Jari Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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