1/48 US AN-Mk 17 325lb Depth Bomb (Set of 4)

1/48 Scale US AN-Mk 17 325lb Depth Bomb — In-House Designed 3D Printed Resin

Designed and 3D printed in-house by MPM Hobbies, this precision resin set brings authentic WWII anti-submarine ordnance to your 1/48 scale aircraft models. The AN-Mk 17 325-pound depth bomb was a critical weapon in the Battle of the Atlantic and Pacific anti-submarine campaigns, carried by patrol and carrier-based aircraft hunting enemy submarines.

Product Features

• In-House Designed & 3D Printed Resin — Designed and printed by MPM Hobbies using high-resolution LCD-based SLA technology
• Scale-Accurate Detail — Precisely scaled 1/48 representation with authentic proportions including round or flat nose, drum tail, and suspension lugs
• 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
• Versatile Compatibility — Suitable for multiple 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 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 patrol and carrier-based aircraft, allowing them to carry multiple depth bombs for extended missions.

Technical Details

AN-Mk 17 Mod 2 and AN-Mk 44 depth bombs feature round noses welded to a cylindrical steel tube with a strengthening disc around the nose and a steel strip along the suspension lugs. The transverse fuze pocket is 11.9 inches abaft the nose. A flat-nose attachment filled with plaster of paris prevents ricochet and improves underwater trajectory, adding 44 pounds to the bomb weight. The bomb case is extremely thin to maximize explosive effect underwater.

AN-Mk 41 and AN-Mk 47 variants feature a flat nose with a slight taper from the walls. The body is in three pieces with a transverse fuze pocket tube welded 15 inches abaft the nose. Suspension is by dual or single lugs welded to the bomb. These bombs use a drum tail — circular from the after end with four fins extending at right angles, spot-welded to a cone fitting over the after end.

Variants

The Mk 17 is TNT loaded with a light tail assembly. The Mk 17 Mod 1 uses a sturdier tail assembly for improved reliability. The AN-Mk 17 Mod 2 adds a larger filling hole for faster loading and maintenance.

Compatible Aircraft Models

The AN-Mk 17 was carried by US maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft. This 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

Items are LCD-based SLA printed using UV-cured resin and shipped unpainted with 3D print supports attached. Compatible with acrylic, lacquer, or enamel primers and paints. Lightly sand or prime any horizontal striations from the printing process. Remove supports starting from the tip down, freeing those connected to small or fragile details first. Use CA adhesive for attaching to your model or filling imperfections.

Features may be brittle or extremely delicate — handle with care. Support configurations may differ from photos. Not intended for small children due to choking hazard; recommended for experienced modelers only. Quantity ordered is multiplied by the number of items per set. All items are printed in the order they are purchased.

Modeling Tips

Clean support material carefully with a sharp hobby knife and test-fit before final assembly. Prime with a quality resin primer, then paint to your chosen scheme. Most AN-Mk 17 depth bombs were finished in overall dark gray or black — yellow stenciling for TNT fill, blue stenciling for 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. For additional technical reference on the AN-Mk 17, visit Bulletpicker.com's AN-Mk 17 reference page.

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.