Bomb - WW1 British 550lb H.E.R.L. (Set of 2)

Comprising: Two historically accurate scale models in high-resolution, 3D-printed resin.

History: As British heavy-bomber capabilities increased towards the latter phase of the Great War the Royal Flying Corps and Royal Naval Air Service introduced heavier high-explosive aerial bombs beyond earlier 112lb and 230lb patterns; among these was the 550lb aerial bomb, a cast-steel–cased high-explosive weapon developed and standardized under War Office ordnance procedures and produced in quantity by the Royal Laboratory and contracted manufacturers. By 1917–1918, production of the 550lb bomb was increasing alongside other heavy types such as the 520lb series, and it was employed operationally with the largest British multi-engined bombers of the period in both strategic and tactical roles, being carried internally or on external racks depending on aircraft design and mission profile.

Operational Use: Records of squadron operations from 1918 show this bomb in combat use against aerodromes and infrastructure targets, indicating its integration into British aerial bombing doctrine before the end of the war.  Known to have been carried by the: Blackburn Kangaroo, Phoenix Cork, Royal Aircraft Factory R.E.7; Short Bomber and Admiralty Type 184; Sopwith Cuckoo; and the Vickers Vimy.

Note: Images may include digital renderings of the actual 3D designs used to produce this scale model. Each respective scale is customized to ensure the greatest level detail and historical accuracy while factoring the limitations of the printing process in order to produce the most pleasing results.