Bulged bomb bay enabling to carry the 4,000 lb cookie bomb. No. 692 Squadron RAF
The Mosquito B Mk IV Series II (4,000 lb conversion) was an unarmed day and night bomber variant of the de Havilland Mosquito, modified to carry a heavier bomb load. It was notable for its ability to carry the 4,000 lb “cookie” bomb, a high-explosive blockbuster bomb used to devastating effect during bombing raids.
Key Specifications:
- Designation: B Mk IV Series II (4,000 lb conversion)
- Type: Unarmed day and night bomber
- Span: 54 ft 2 in (16.5 m)
- Length: 40 ft 9.5 in (12.41 m)
- Height: 12 ft 6 in (3.75 m)
- Engines: Two 1,460 hp Merlin 21 engines (long nacelles); a few had Merlin 23 engines
- Weight:
- Empty: 13,400 lb (6,531 kg)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 22,570 lb (11,000 kg)
- Speed:
- Maximum: 380 mph (611 km/h)
- Cruising: 265 mph (426 km/h)
- Range: 2,040 miles (3,283 km)
- Ceiling: 34,000 ft (10,363 m)
- Bomb Load: 4,000 lb
- Armament: None
- Radar: None
Notable Features:
- Bomb Capacity: The ability to carry the large 4,000 lb “cookie” bomb made this variant particularly valuable for precision raids where the destruction of large structures was the objective.
- Performance: With its high speed for a bomber, the Mosquito B Mk IV was difficult for enemy fighters to intercept, especially when operating at high altitudes.
- Unarmed: Like other bomber versions of the Mosquito, the B Mk IV was unarmed, relying on its speed and altitude for protection rather than defensive armament.