A further development of the "food bomb" technique (see Tactical and
Technical Trends, No. 20, p. 30) indicates that the Germans are now using airplane
food-containers of 250 kilograms (550 pounds)--much heavier than the
30-pound containers previously noted. Me-109 fighters are apparently envisaged
for use in dropping supplies to army units cut off during operations.
To feed such isolated groups, the Me-109 (E, F, and G models) when
fitted with bomb carrier EPC 500,* can drop the food container. The container,
when in position, clears the ground by only 38 inches. To avoid damage when
taxiing on a bad field, it should be suspended in the bomb rack at the take-off
only. The maximum speed at release is 215 mph, and the most favorable height
from 500 to 1,000 feet. It would appear that there is a delay device for the
release of the parachute.
*Bomb carrier for 500-kilogram bomb.