Grand Slam
Summary
| Category | Penetration Bomb |
| Sub-type | Earthquake bomb |
| Origin country | 🇬🇧 United Kingdom |
| Manufacturer | Vickers |
| Status | Retired |
| Year of service | 1945 |
| Number built | 42 units |
Technical specifications
| Warhead | Torpex |
| Warhead weight | 4144 kg (9,136 lb) |
| Diameter | 1,168 mm (46.0 in) |
| Length | 7,700 mm (303.1 in) |
| Weight | 9,979 kg (22,000 lb) |
Grand Slam scale diagram
Operators
Description
The Grand Slam was developed as an earthquake bomb for the Royal Air Force during World War II. It entered service in 1945 and was the largest conventional bomb used by Allied forces before the introduction of nuclear weapons.
The weapon's construction featured a chrome-molybdenum alloy steel case. It utilized a Torpex explosive charge. The bomb was designed to penetrate the ground before detonation, creating shockwaves to destroy heavy infrastructure.
The United Kingdom was the sole operator of the system. Combat deployment occurred during the final months of the Second World War, with the inventory expended on targets between March and April 1945. The weapon was retired from service following the war.
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Last updated on 4 April 2026.
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