SBe 50

The SBe 50 wasn't a single type but six closely related sub-variants intended to rectify shortcomings in the original design. None of the models were considered completely successful.^[1] The explosive for the Model A I was contained in a thin metal liner which the concrete was cast around. However, the Model A I was not satisfactory because the explosive charge was too large which pulverized the concrete instead of creating effective fragments. The Model C unsuccessfully attempted to address this problem by reducing the amount of explosives and increasing the thickness of the concrete. The Model D reduced the amount of explosive once again and increased the thickness of the concrete but the explosive charge was now too small. The Model E increased the amount of explosives back up to the amount used by the Model C, the internal metal container was eliminated, and the concrete was now cast around a rebar framework. The early models were filled with TNT but later models were filled with naphthalene a lower grade explosive that may have been used to promote fragmentation. Early models had sheet steel tails set in concrete while later models had detachable tails. The SBe 50 could be suspended vertically in a bomb bay or horizontally from a wing or fuselage hard point. The bombs were painted bright green in color.^[2]

• List of weapons of military aircraft of Germany during World War II