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Add authentic Vietnam War-era incendiary ordnance to your 1/48 scale aircraft models with this detailed 3D printed BLU-1B napalm cannister set from MPM Hobbies. As a 750-pound fire bomb designed for external carriage on high-performance aircraft, the BLU-1B represents a critical weapon in close air support operations—and now you can recreate that capability with museum-quality detail on your A-4 Skyhawk, F-4 Phantom II, A-7 Corsair II, and other tactical strike aircraft.
The BLU-1/B and BLU-1B/B 750-pound fire bombs hold a distinguished place in modern military aviation as specialized incendiary weapons designed for external carriage on high-performance aircraft with forced ejection release systems. These weapons saw extensive combat use during the Vietnam War, where they proved highly effective in close air support missions against enemy positions, fortifications, and supply concentrations. The napalm-filled cannisters created devastating area effects, making them particularly valuable for attacking targets in dense jungle terrain where conventional high-explosive bombs had limited effectiveness. The psychological impact of napalm weapons also contributed to their tactical value in suppressing enemy activity and denying use of key terrain.
The BLU-1/B and BLU-1B/B are constructed of aluminum with reinforced areas for sway bracing and aircraft forced ejection. Unlike earlier types of fire bombs, the BLU-1/B utilizes electrically-armed impact fuzes which require a cable assembly to utilize power generated by a thermal battery in the initiator. End caps are used in the BLU-1/B instead of nose caps and tail cones, and there are significant overall size and weight differences compared to earlier designs. The fuze system has an arming delay of 0.3 to 1.1 seconds, providing safe separation from the launching aircraft before the weapon becomes armed.
The fire bomb BLU-1B/B differs from the BLU-1/B in several important ways. It features a beam assembly (hard back) which is extruded rather than cast, providing improved structural integrity. An initiator adapter is designed to prevent napalm from leaking into the initiator well, enhancing safety and reliability. Additionally, the BLU-1B/B has newly designed suspension lugs which allow sufficient clearance for the initiator when the bomb is loaded on an aircraft. Otherwise, the two bombs are identical and are packaged, stored, and assembled in the same manner.
The BLU-1B was designed specifically for high-performance aircraft equipped with forced ejection release systems, allowing safe delivery at high speeds and low altitudes. Upon impact, the electrically-armed fuze detonates the weapon, dispersing burning napalm gel over a wide area. The napalm mixture adheres to surfaces and continues burning at extremely high temperatures, making it effective against personnel, vehicles, structures, and vegetation. The weapon's area effect made it particularly valuable in Vietnam for attacking enemy positions in jungle terrain, clearing landing zones, and destroying supply caches.
The BLU-1B was carried by numerous US tactical aircraft during the Vietnam War. This cannister 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 cannister 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 BLU-1B napalm cannisters were finished in overall bare metal or light gray with black or dark gray 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 technical information about the BLU-1B fire bomb, visit the BLU-1 reference page at Bulletpicker.com as a way to find information about their products.
Bring Vietnam War close air support capability to life with the authentic BLU-1B napalm cannister from MPM Hobbies - your source for premium scale modeling accessories.
