I know they were both used and I can find specs but nothing on actual use. Planning an ASW OS-2U3 , Carribean, mid 1943. Couple pics I’ve seen show the Mk.17 loaded. I’d like to use the Mk.54, The 17 looks like just another bomb. The 54 is obviously a depth charge. I cant find info on dates used, applications, etc. How interchangeable were they? As far as I can tell only real difference is the 17 is more aerodynamic.
Any clue when it entered service?
Aboard USS Santee (CVE-29), November 1943 :
USS Yorktown (CV-10) crewmen check bomb fuzes, before loading them on the carrier’s planes, 20 November 1943.
H.P.
Yorktown pic: That’s a LOT of depth charges. Looks like a handful of Mk 54s and a bunch of 100# bombs (?) … look too small for even 250#. Wonder what was the target was. I know DCs fuses could be set for contact. Wonder if they could be used for the concussion on bunkers. Kinda like modern Fuel-Air bombs. (Seems the light carriers would be tasked with ASW chores.)
