Handling and storage ring for 500 pound AN-M64 and AN-M43 aerial bomb

Place Oceania: Australia, Northern Territory, Darwin
Accession Number REL35947
Collection type Technology
Object type Technology
Physical description Iron
Maker Unknown
Place made United States of America
Date made c 1942 - 1945
Conflict Second World War, 1939-1945
Description

Metal bomb handling ring consisting of two lengths of semi-circular tubing, joined at a hinge, with both ends bent to a flange shape to enable them to be bolted together. There is a split pin securing the hinge. A rectangular cut out appears halfway along each length. Remains of paint evident.

History / Summary

Handling and storage/transportation rings designed for use with the American built AN-M43 and AN-M64 500 pound general purpose aerial bomb. Two were supplied with each bomb, and provided an easy means of rolling the bomb safely after it was unpacked. This example and REL35946 were recovered from the Dorat Road, south of Adelaide River in the Northern Territory in 2006.