MPM Hobbies 1/48 Scale US AN-Mk 17 325lb Depth Bomb (Set of 4)
Add authentic WWII-era anti-submarine ordnance to your 1/48 scale aircraft models with this detailed 3D printed AN-Mk 17 325-pound depth bomb set from MPM Hobbies. As a specialized weapon designed for attacking submerged submarines, the AN-Mk 17 represents a critical capability in the Battle of the Atlantic and Pacific anti-submarine campaigns—and now you can recreate that capability with museum-quality detail on your PBY Catalina, TBF Avenger, and other maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft.
Historical Significance
The AN-Mk 17 325-pound depth bomb holds a distinguished place in WWII naval aviation history as a specialized anti-submarine weapon designed to destroy or damage submerged enemy submarines. These depth bombs saw extensive use during the Battle of the Atlantic and Pacific anti-submarine campaigns, where Allied aircraft hunted German U-boats and Japanese submarines threatening vital supply lines. The weapon's relatively light weight made it suitable for carriage by patrol aircraft and carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft, allowing them to carry multiple depth bombs for extended patrol missions. The AN-Mk 17's effectiveness contributed significantly to the Allied victory in the submarine war, helping to protect convoys and maintain the flow of supplies across the Atlantic and Pacific.
Technical Details
AN-Mk 17 Mod 2 and AN-Mk 44 depth bombs are made with round noses welded to a cylindrical steel tube. There is a strengthening disc around the nose and a steel strip along the suspension lugs to reinforce the body. The transverse fuze pocket is 11.9 inches abaft the nose. To prevent ricochet and improve underwater trajectory, a flat-nose attachment is made for these bombs, the attachment being in the shape of a bucket which fits down over the nose and is filled with plaster of paris, increasing the weight of the bomb by 44 pounds. The bomb case is extremely thin to maximize the explosive effect underwater.
AN-Mk 41 and AN-Mk 47 variants are constructed with a flat nose, there being a slight taper from the walls to the nose. The body is in three pieces. The sides are tubular with a transverse fuze pocket tube welded in place 15 inches abaft the nose. Suspension of these bombs is by the usual dual or single lugs, the lugs being welded to the bomb. The single lug is actually somewhat different than is usually found, being in the form of a bracket rather than a lug. Trunnions on a band are for displacement gear in dive bombing.
Instead of employing the box-type tail, these bombs use a drum tail. As seen from the after end, it is circular and has four fins extending at right angles to each other. The fins are spot-welded to a cone which fits over the after end of the bomb. The fins are also spot-welded to the drum shroud. The tail is bolted onto the base of the bomb. TNT loaded bombs have weight and Mark number stenciled in yellow; Torpex loaded bombs have these items stenciled in blue.
Variants
The 325-pound Depth Bomb Mk 17 is TNT loaded but has a light tail assembly. The Mk 17 Mod 1 is the same, except that a sturdier tail assembly is used for improved reliability. The AN-Mk 17 Mod 2 is similar to the Mod 1 but has a larger filling hole, facilitating faster loading and maintenance operations.
Product Features
- Scale-Accurate Detail - Precisely scaled 1/48 representation with authentic proportions including round or flat nose, drum tail, and suspension lugs
- Premium 3D Printed Resin - High-resolution LCD-based SLA printing captures fine details including panel lines, fuze pockets, and tail fins
- Historically Accurate - Based on reference photos and technical documentation of actual AN-Mk 17 depth bombs
- Set of 4 Bombs - Complete loadout for realistic anti-submarine patrol configurations
- Made in the USA - Designed, printed, and quality-controlled by MPM Hobbies in America
- Versatile Compatibility - Suitable for multiple maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft
Compatible Aircraft Models
The AN-Mk 17 was carried by US maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft. This depth bomb set is ideal for detailing the following 1/48 scale aircraft:
- PBY Catalina - Patrol bomber
- TBF/TBM Avenger - Torpedo bomber with ASW capability
- PV-1 Ventura - Patrol bomber
- SBD Dauntless - Dive bomber with ASW capability
- PB4Y Privateer - Patrol bomber
3D Printing Information
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.
Modeling Tips
For best results, clean any support material carefully with a sharp hobby knife and test-fit the depth bomb to your aircraft's bomb bay or external racks before final assembly. Prime the resin with a quality primer designed for resin parts, then paint according to your chosen scheme. Most AN-Mk 17 depth bombs were finished in overall dark gray or black with yellow stenciling (TNT fill) or blue stenciling (Torpex fill). Reference photos will help ensure accurate finish and markings for your specific aircraft and time period.
Complementary Products at MPM Hobbies
- MPM Aircraft Resins collection - Complete range of ordnance, cockpit details, and aircraft upgrades
- 1/48 MPM Bombs - Additional ordnance options for your aircraft models
- 1/48 Mark 13 Aerial Torpedo - Anti-ship weapon companion
About MPM Hobbies
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 technical information about the AN-Mk 17 depth bomb, visit the AN-Mk 17 reference page at Bulletpicker.com as a way to find information about their products.
Bring WWII anti-submarine warfare to life with the authentic AN-Mk 17 325-pound depth bomb from MPM Hobbies - your source for premium scale modeling accessories.