Cooper bombs

The Cooper bomb was a British 20-pound (9 kg) bomb used extensively in World War I. It was the first high explosive bomb to be adapted by the Royal Flying Corps.^[1]

20 lb (9 kg) Cooper bomb.

Design

Bristol F.2 Fighter with 8 Cooper bombs under the wings.

The bomb was 24 lb (11 kg) in weight, of which 20 lb (9 kg) was the bomb casing and 4 lb (1.8 kg) was an explosive charge of Amatol.^[2] The main body was 5⁄16 inch (8 mm) thick, and was made of cast iron, steel, or semisteel.^[3] The aft body was made of wood and the fins from sheet steel.^[4]

List of aircraft that used the Cooper bomb

• Royal Aircraft Factory S.E.5
• Bristol F.2 Fighter
• Airco DH.4^[3]
• Sopwith Camel
• Royal Aircraft Factory F.E.2