The PC 1400 (Panzersprengbombe Cylindrisch) or cylindrical armor-piercing explosive bomb in English was an armor-piercing bomb used by the Luftwaffe during World War II.
| PC 1400 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Type | Armor-piercing bomb |
| Place of origin |  Nazi Germany |
| Service history | |
| Used by | Luftwaffe |
| Wars | World War II |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | 1,400 kg (3,100 lb) |
| Length | 2.82 m (9 ft 3 in) |
| Diameter | 559 mm (22 in) |
| Warhead | TNT Trialen |
| Warhead weight | 300 kg (660 lb)[1] |
History
editThe PC series of bombs differed from the SC series because they had thick cases for enhanced penetration of armored targets like warships or reinforced concrete fortifications. While the SD series bombs could be used in a semi-armor piercing role the PC series of bombs were specifically designed as armor-piercing bombs. Since they had thicker hardened steel cases their charge to weight ratio was only 20% of their total weight. Bombs in the PC series included the PC 500, PC 1000, PC 1400, and PC 1600. The number in the bombs designation corresponded to the approximate weight of the bomb. The smaller bombs had either Amatol or TNT while the larger bombs were filled more powerful explosives like RDX and Trialen to compensate for their reduced charges. The PC series of bombs were fitted with a time delay fuze which detonated the bomb after it had pierced a target destroying it with a combination of its blast and fragments. The PC series served as a base for the later PC RS series rocket propelled bombs which were designed to enhance penetration by increasing their terminal velocity. The PC 1400 was also modified by adding a guidance package to become the Fritz X guided bomb.[2]
Design
editThe body was of one-piece forged steel construction which was filled through the base with TNT or Trialen 105, a mixture of 15% RDX, 70% TNT and 15% aluminum powder and was fitted with a cast aluminum or magnesium alloy 4 finned tail with a cylindrical strut. There was a single transverse fuze pocket near the base of the bomb and there were two central exploders which ran through the explosives. The PC 1400 was horizontally suspended by a suspension band and H-Type suspension lugs or trunnions in a bomb bay. The body of the bombs were painted sky blue, while the tail was painted aluminum with a red or blue stripe.[1]