Incendiary bombs electron, German

Elektron (Electron). Accdg to AlI EnExpls (Ref 1) it is an alloy consisting of 86/14-Mg/Al, which burns at 1500°, while Mg alone requires 4200°. Accdg to Fisher (Ref 2), it is an alloy concg 86% Mg and 13% Al, invented by Germans in 1909 as a light metal substitute for structural steel, but since 1917 it was used for construction of incendiary bombs (See next item)... 

Many types of incendiary bombs were developed during WWII of which perhaps one of the most effective was the "Elektron Bora fee" (electron bomb), invented by the Germans. It was made in sizes from 1 to 25kg. The most common, 1-kg bomb, is represented here. It consisted of a thick-walled Mg-Al alloy shell ca 9 in length and,2 in diam, weighing ca 0.8kg and was filled with a small amt of thermite mixt. Unlike the thermite-type incendiary... 

The outbreak of war in Europe called attention as never before to the possibilities of aerial incendiaries. German planes began to shower London with magnesium electron bombs and no-kilo oil bombs, and the English replied with their 4-pound magnesium munition. The United States Army could no longer afford to neglect the development and production of incendiary bombs. ... 

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