Page 82 - Marutas of Unit 731

the sand screened to estimate the size of the resulting fragments.
Approximately 10 percent of the recovered fragments weighed from 1 to 3

grams, 20 percent from 3 to 5 grams, 25 percent from 5 to 10 grams, 40

percent from 10 to 15 grams, and 5 percent were over 15 grams.

e Ha bomb had several defects. It was considered too complex for

mass production. e thin bomb case was soldered to the head and tail

sections and would not withstand the shock of handling and transportation.
Leakage of the bacterial contents oen occurred, with danger of infection to

the bomb handlers. Suspension of the bomb in aircra was difficult because

the shape of the bomb varied from that of standard aircra bombs. e

heavy explosive charge destroyed 40 to 65 percent of the organisms.

Regardless of its defects the Ha bomb was considered promising. Ishii
believed that, with correction of the defects and further development by

bomb experts, the Ha bomb could be made into an e cient munition.”