BOMBS FOR AIRSHIPS

Tlie British AVar Office and several foreign countries have placed large orders with Mf F. Marten Hale, of the Cotton Powder Company, Ltd., for his new bomb designed for dropping from aeroplanes or airships. Important tests were carried out two or three days ago at Eastchurch, and the experts expressed themselves as surprised at the results. The features of the bomb are that, dropped at any angle or position and at any speed that the airship may be travelling at, the projectile Avill almost immediately regain and maintain its vertical position m descent, so that it hits its target perfectly plumb and nose ddwnwards, the tendency to somersaults and Avobbling which is so apparent m all other bombs entirely disappearing. The bomb is so sensitive that it will explode on the slightest retardation due to impact, eA-en on water, soft ground, mud, or snow. The tests Avere made on a Short biplane piloted by Flying-master F. B. Parker, R.N. Lieutenant Pierse, K.N., seated behind, manipulated the bombs. The " Hale " bomb, it is claimed, will pierce 3in of steel armor plate, and Avill be equally effective on sloping sides as on a flat surface. Should it hit a fortress gun it Avould smash it, and if the bomb fell a feAv yards aAvay it Avould make such a displacement of the earth as to upset the foundation of the gun and put it out of action. Mr Hale is the inventor of numerous explosive designs used by Britain and other countries. One of the latest was an illuminating grenade fired from rifles for use m night attacks.