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Add authentic Korean War through Vietnam War-era demolition ordnance to your 1/48 scale aircraft models with this detailed 3D printed M-117 general purpose bomb set from MPM Hobbies. As a versatile air-dropped demolition bomb used by United States military forces from the Korean War through modern conflicts, the M117 represents one of the most widely used conventional weapons in US aviation history—and now you can recreate that capability with museum-quality detail on your F-4 Phantom II, B-25 Mitchell, A-7 Corsair II, and other tactical aircraft.
The M117 holds a distinguished place in modern military aviation as an air-dropped demolition bomb that has served United States military forces for over seven decades. The weapon dates back to the Korean War of the early 1950s, where it proved highly effective against hardened targets including bunkers, bridges, and fortified positions. Although it has a nominal weight of 750 pounds (340 kg), its actual weight, depending on fuze and retardation options, can be around 820 pounds (372 kg). The M117 saw extensive combat use during the Vietnam War, where it became one of the most commonly dropped conventional bombs, and continued in service through subsequent conflicts including Desert Storm and operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. The weapon's longevity speaks to its effectiveness and versatility across a wide range of tactical situations.
The bomb's explosive content is typically 386 pounds (175 kg) of Tritonal or 377 pounds (171 kg) of Minol in the case of the M117A1E2, due to their higher density and detonation velocity compared to TNT. Demolition bombs rely on time-delayed fuzes which allow the bomb to burrow into a building or other structure before detonating, maximizing structural damage and ensuring destruction of hardened targets. The M117 can be configured with a conical low-drag tail for medium and high-altitude deliveries, providing stable ballistic characteristics and good accuracy. Alternatively, it can be fitted with a high-drag tail fin for low-altitude drops, creating significant drag that delays the bomb hitting its target and ensuring fighters are out of the blast zone before detonation—a critical safety feature for low-level attack missions.
The M117 was the basis for the BOLT-117, the world's first laser-guided bomb. This pioneering precision-guided munition demonstrated the feasibility of laser guidance technology and paved the way for the Paveway series of laser-guided bombs that revolutionized aerial warfare. The BOLT-117 program proved that conventional bombs could be converted into precision weapons through the addition of guidance kits, a concept that continues to influence modern weapons development.
The M-117 was carried by numerous US tactical aircraft. This bomb set is ideal for detailing the following 1/48 scale aircraft:
Item(s) is/are LCD-based SLA printed using UV cured resin and will be shipped unpainted and with 3D print supports attached. Item can be primed with acrylic, lacquer or enamel type paint. Lightly sand and/or prime any horizontal striations due to the printing process. Remove supports starting from the tip down and start by freeing those supports connected to small and fragile details. Recommend using CA for attaching item to model or filling any imperfections. Item(s) will have features that are brittle or extremely delicate and prone to breaking if not properly handled. 3D print support configurations may be different than the ones in the photos if applicable. Photos may include the CAD rendered file used for printing to highlight details that do not stand out well in regular photos. Not intended for small children due to choking hazard and should only be purchased by experienced modelers due fine details and printer support removal. The number of items in your order is calculated by multiplying the quantity you selected by the number of items per set if applicable. All items are printed in the order they are purchased.
For best results, clean any support material carefully with a sharp hobby knife and test-fit the bomb to your aircraft's pylon or bomb rack before final assembly. Prime the resin with a quality primer designed for resin parts, then paint according to your chosen scheme. Most M-117 bombs were finished in overall olive drab or dark gray with yellow or white stenciling and markings. Reference photos will help ensure accurate finish and markings for your specific aircraft and time period.
MPM Hobbies specializes in precision 3D printed resin upgrades and accessories for scale aircraft, armor, and ship models. Every product is designed using historical references and technical documentation to ensure maximum accuracy and detail. Our commitment to quality and authenticity has made us a trusted source for serious modelers seeking to elevate their builds beyond kit standards. For additional information about the M117 bomb, visit the M117 bomb Wikipedia page as a way to find information about their products.
Bring decades of US military aviation history to life with the authentic M-117 general purpose bomb from MPM Hobbies - your source for premium scale modeling accessories.
