Halifax LQ-Q of No. 405 Squadron RCAF bombing up with 1000 pounders, August 1942
Bomb Load and Capacity:
- Maximum Bomb Load: The Halifax had a maximum bomb load capacity of 13,000 lbs (5,900 kg).
- Bomb Bay Configuration: The bomb load was carried in a combination of a large fuselage bomb bay and internal wing cells:
- Fuselage Bomb Bay: The main bomb bay, located in the fuselage, was 22 ft (6.7 m) long.
- Wing Cells: The Halifax also had six internal wing cells, three on each side, to accommodate additional bombs.
Bomb Types:
- General Purpose Bombs: The Halifax could carry a variety of general-purpose bombs, including high-explosive (HE), armor-piercing (AP), and incendiary bombs. Specific bomb weights mentioned include:
- 500 lbs
- 1,000 lbs
- 2,000 lbs
- 4,000 lbs
- “Cookie” Bombs: Larger, more powerful 4,000 lb “Cookie” bombs were developed and deployed by the RAF. To accommodate these larger weapons, the Halifax required modifications to its bomb bay doors.
- “Super Cookie” Bombs: An even larger 8,000 lb bomb, dubbed the “Super Cookie,” consisting of two 4,000 lb bombs joined together, was also carried by the Halifax. This massive weapon necessitated further modifications to the bomb bay, including an enlarged fairing to fully enclose it. The first “Super Cookie” was dropped on Essen on April 10/11, 1942.
- Anti-Submarine Bombs: In its coastal patrol role, the Halifax carried anti-submarine bombs, including a 600 lb variant designed for greater explosive power and higher-altitude deployment.
- 1,000 lb mines: The Halifax was used in minelaying operations, particularly against the Tirpitz in Norway.
Bomb Aiming:
- Mark 14 Bombsight: Later versions of the Halifax, such as the B.II Series 1a, were fitted with the Mark 14 bombsight, offering improved accuracy.