Description
WWII USAAF Type E-1 Bomb-Release Signal Lamp Assembly, Dayton Acme C-6507
Item Overview
This World War II U.S. Army Air Forces Type E-1 Bomb-Release Signal Lamp Assembly was a tail-mounted formation-bombing light. It projected white and red signals toward aircraft flying behind the formation leader. The lamp operated on 28-volt direct current and was part of the aircraft’s signaling system. It is not a bomb-release mechanism, fuze, or explosive component.
Identification and Features
This example was manufactured by the Dayton Acme Company of Cincinnati, Ohio. Its order number and specification records indicate procurement during 1945. The Type E-1 designation and Specification 94-32306 match official wartime catalog information for this aircraft signal lamp.
- Official designation: Bomb-Release Signal Lamp Assembly, Type E-1
- Voltage: 28 VDC
- Specification: 94-32306
- Manufacturer: Dayton Acme Co., Cincinnati, Ohio
- Manufacturer part number: C-6507
- Order number: (33-038) 45-2854-P
- Property marking: AF, U.S. Army
- Approximate period: 1945
- Documented aircraft application: B-24 Liberator
- Purpose: Formation-bombing signal light
How the Signal Lamp Worked
The Type E-1 used one electric bulb and a reflector to project a strong beam behind the aircraft. An internal solenoid moved a colored glass filter around the bulb, changing the beam from white to red. The black dome visible inside the reflector is the shielded end of the bulb. This arrangement allowed one compact lamp to display two separate signals without using two complete lighting units.
Formation-Bombing Signals
The white light told following aircraft that the formation leader’s bomb-bay doors were fully open. The red light showed that bombs were being released. On the B-24 Liberator, the red signal remained illuminated until five seconds after the last bomb left the aircraft. These clear visual signals helped other crews coordinate their actions when radio communication was limited or unwanted.
Historical Background
Heavy bombers often flew in large formations during World War II. The lead aircraft guided the formation toward the target and provided signals for important steps in the bombing run. Tail-mounted signal lamps gave following crews a direct view of the leader’s bomb-bay and release status. The Type E-1 was designed for this demanding role and helped formations release their bomb loads in a controlled sequence.
Aircraft Application
The Type E-1 operating system is directly documented for the Consolidated B-24 Liberator, one of the most widely used American heavy bombers of World War II. B-24s served in Europe, the Mediterranean, the Pacific, and other combat areas. B-17s and additional USAAF formation bombers used comparable red-and-white tail signals, but the markings on this C-6507 assembly do not prove that it was exclusive to one aircraft model.
Condition
This is a vintage military-surplus electrical component intended for collecting, research, restoration, or display. It may show scratches, finish wear, oxidation, dents, aged wiring, old repairs, or storage marks. Electrical operation has not been guaranteed unless specifically stated. The aircraft, mounting hardware, wiring harness, switches, and other system parts are not included unless pictured or described.
Ideal For
This uncommon signal lamp is well suited for collections and exhibits covering World War II aviation, formation bombing, aircraft electrical equipment, and the history of the B-24 Liberator.
- World War II aviation collections
- B-24 Liberator restoration displays
- USAAF electrical-equipment exhibits
- Formation-bombing research
- Military museums and educational displays
- Dayton Acme equipment collections
Approx length 12", Approx width 6", Approx height 6", Approx weight lbs.
Pictures are stock images of our inventory. Unless otherwise noted, you will not be receiving the exact item shown in the pictures. The pictures are representative of the item’s general condition. The item you receive might be slightly better, or worse, condition than was shown in the pictures.
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