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Concorde247 said:I'm not talking about it as a weight issue, the P-38 could certainly handle that, I'm thinking more along the lines of a carrying and method of release. They would have to be pretty close to the centreline or "pilots pod" as i call it. and closer to the C of G. to be able to carry two of these bombs, and provide the backspin before release. If Theyre put further out along towards the wings the more the vibration when the backspin starts. and bear in mind that the mossie carried TWO of them. Below is a brief description of the bomb itself. that i found on the internet.
Highball 'Bouncing Bomb'
This spherical bomb was designed by the brilliant Dr. Barnes Wallis to be utilized against ships. Weighing 1,280 lb (580kg) and packed with 600 lb (272 kg) of explosive two Highballs could be carried by a Mosquito fighter-bomber. Prior to release the bomb was imparted with a backward spin of 700-900 revolutions per minute. Dropped at high speed 360 mph (580km/h) and low altitude 60 ft (18.2m) the Highball would skip across the water toward the target.
Although intended to be used against the battleship Tirpitz this did not come to pass mainly because the ship stayed in ports beyond the range of Mosquitos based in Britain. Focus shifted to possible use in the Far East and a number of Mosquitos were modified for use on escort/jeep carriers. Despite considerable training the weapon was not used in combat.
cheddar cheese said:Ah, I wasnt aware the P-38 could carry off balance loads, this changes matters 8)
Concorde247 said:I'm not talking about it as a weight issue, the P-38 could certainly handle that, I'm thinking more along the lines of a carrying and method of release. They would have to be pretty close to the centreline or "pilots pod" as i call it. and closer to the C of G. to be able to carry two of these bombs, and provide the backspin before release. If Theyre put further out along towards the wings the more the vibration when the backspin starts. and bear in mind that the mossie carried TWO of them. Below is a brief description of the bomb itself. that i found on the internet.
Highball 'Bouncing Bomb'
This spherical bomb was designed by the brilliant Dr. Barnes Wallis to be utilized against ships. Weighing 1,280 lb (580kg) and packed with 600 lb (272 kg) of explosive two Highballs could be carried by a Mosquito fighter-bomber. Prior to release the bomb was imparted with a backward spin of 700-900 revolutions per minute. Dropped at high speed 360 mph (580km/h) and low altitude 60 ft (18.2m) the Highball would skip across the water toward the target.
Although intended to be used against the battleship Tirpitz this did not come to pass mainly because the ship stayed in ports beyond the range of Mosquitos based in Britain. Focus shifted to possible use in the Far East and a number of Mosquitos were modified for use on escort/jeep carriers. Despite considerable training the weapon was not used in combat.
cheddar cheese said:One on the left of the gondola, one on the right...Couple of droptanks as well...Use the droop snoots with P-38L escort, it will work fine.