Posted on 07/31/2007 1:06:48 PM PDT by NormsRevenge
BERLIN - Construction workers unearthed a 2,200-pound Soviet bomb from World War II in a Berlin suburb Tuesday, forcing authorities to evacuate more than 4,000 people before defusing it.
The bomb, which was buried 13 feet underground, was found Tuesday morning in the Lichterfelde district on the capital's southern edge. About eight hours later, specialists defused it, removing two detonators.
People in the area were evacuated from their homes as a precaution, police spokeswoman Miriam Tauchmann said. Services on a nearby commuter train line also were disrupted for several hours.
Unexploded bombs, relics of Allied bombardments before Nazi Germany's surrender in May 1945, are still found regularly in the country.
A few years ago they found mustard gas (from WWI) buried near Chevy Chase, MD (near DC) in a housing area.
What kind of Soviet aircraft could have dropped a 2200lb bomb in WW2?
Could they have meant artillery shell?
Recall that Stalin gots tens of thousands of US and British types, e.g., PS-84 was the Russian C-47; GST was the Russian PBY-5, ...
An IL-4 medium bomber could carry up to 5500lbs of bombs or one 2100lb torpedo in a short-range tactical configuration.
Every notice that almost every thread on FR devolves into a discussion of ordinance and armaments. That’s why I love it here.
“What kind of Soviet aircraft could have dropped a 2200lb bomb in WW2?”
Most any of their multi-engine aircraft. It is just a 1000kg bomb, and that’s not that big by WWII standards. For Pete’s sake a Douglas Dauntless normally carried a 2000-pound bomb.
I always wonder at how they remove a completely rusted-in fuse to disarm these ancient bombs. Liquid Wrench and a hammer do not seem like a good idea on unstable old explosives.
I was just thinking the same thing when I read your comment. It quickly becomes understandable that it would take 9 hours to defuse. Gotta let the Liquid Wrench soak for awhile.
So, I can’t read, eight hours. They must have also used WD45.
WD-45, that must be the special version for UXB.
Me, I just WD-40
Darn, can’t do nothing right today. So much for my 3 hours of sleep last night. WD45 = Allis Chalmers WD45 tractor. WD40 = spray lubricant. I always mix them up. Time to sign off of the net for me.
You’re not alone. :-)
The depth and breadth or knowledge is astounding, especially on military matters.
I wonder how much these guys get paid? Here in the U.S., the police routinely blow up unattended packages and briefcases from a distance. Guess exploding a 2200 lb bomb wouldn't be good for the surrounding buildings.
The brits have a device called a rocket wrench, looks like a pin wheel, fired by two .50 cal spotting shells, used it on a bomb that hit one of the boats during the Falkland war... maybe they have something similar...
also they just defused a doodlebug over in the UK today or yesterday...
Send it back to Russia. “Candygram for Pootie-Poot!”
I'd guess that they use a cutting torch, hammer, and chisel. Cut a hole in the side of the bomb with the torch, then use the hammer and chisel to cut out the explosives. Cut another hole, and chop out more explosives. Repeat until all of the explosives have been removed. ;-)
I love those shirts that say, "I am a Bomb Squad Technician. If you seem me running, try to keep up."
Mark
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