Originally Posted by
Capot
In thinking of the size and weight of nuclear weapons, don't forget that Britain's Royal Artillery - among others - had 8" Howitzers that fired a tactical nuclear shell, in about the same period. I cannot remember what it weighed, but sure as hell it was only 8" diameter.
The 5.5" shells of the 3 5.5s I was in charge of weighed 80lbs (and could be delivered over 18,000 yards range), but the nuclear shell may have had a higher weight per unit of volume.
In any case, I'm sure a Gannet could have carried one, although in a self-immolating mission.
The NDB (nuclear depth bomb) was known as the 600lb bomb, for obvious reasons.
If you think the Gannet was on a "self immolating mission", think how we felt in the Sea King/Wessex/Wasp
I did a night trip in the back of Gannet XL500 off the Ark. I reckon it was the only navy FW that slowed down off the end of the cat
