Just thought I might offer some knowledge on the 4,000lbs bombs used on the Mosquito.
The Mosquito B Mk IX (after modification) and B Mk XVI (almost from the outset) could carry a 4,000 lbs bomb.
The 4,000 lbs bomb-load came in two flavours: the 4,000 lb HC bomb, or 'cookie', and the 4,000 lb MC bomb,.
The cookie was an area weapon. It had all the aerodynamic qualities of a tumbling barrel. Actual weight was 3,940 lb (1,790 kg), with a charge to weight ratio of 75%. Mosquitos usually dropped it on area targets from medium to high altitude. It was used by Mossies from late 1943.
The 4,000 lb MC is a different case. It is shaped like a regular GP bomb, with a pointed nose and a cruciform tail. It had a charge to weight ratio of 58% and was similar in construction to standard GP/MC bombs. Actual weight was 3,764 lbs (1,710 kg).
This weapon was used for drops on both area AND precision targets, like bridges, dam walls, train tunnels and viaducts, from the second half of 1944 onwards. Dropping heights were highly variable, although for precision runs it was usually dropped from medium altitudes. Hardened targets (like V-1 pens and dam walls) called for higher dropping altitudes. It was used less than the cookie, but Mosquitos still dropped several thousand of them from October 1944 through to the end of the war.
The early Mosquito bombers, the B Mk IV Series I, were initially able to handle 4 x 250 lbs bombs, internally. Another 2 x 250 lb bombs could be carried on wing hardpoints
After the first 50 bomber aircraft, the B Mk IV Series II emerged, with a bomb bay modified slightly to handle 4 x 500 lbs bombs (which were also modified with shorter fins). 2 x 500 lb bombs could be carried on the wings.
The later B Mk IX and B Mk XVI were modified with a 'bulged belly', that allowed it to handle a single 4,000 lbs weapon. These aircraft retained the 4 x 500 internal/2 x 500 external capacity of earlier marks. The bulged belly bombers could also use the 'Avro carrier', allowing them to handle 6 x 500 lbs bombs internally. Unfortunately, i don't have any information on when the 'Avro carrier' was introduced.
I've also seen less common bombloads, such as a single 2,000 lbs bomb and 2 x 1,000 lb bombs, as well as SBCs and combinations of 1,000 lb and 250 lb bombs.
The training aircraft should ensure theres no pilots left to fly any missions!
