The Luftwaffe, the aerial warfare branch of the German Wehrmacht during World War II, utilized various types of bombs, among which the PC (Panzersprengbombe C) and SC (Sprengbombe C) bombs were notable. Here are the main differences between these two bomb types:

1. Design Purpose:

• PC Bombs (Panzersprengbombe C): These were specifically designed as anti-tank bombs. The "P" in PC stands for "Panzer," which means "armor" in German. They were intended to penetrate armored vehicles and fortifications.
• SC Bombs (Sprengbombe C): The SC bombs were general-purpose high-explosive bombs. The "S" stands for "Spreng," meaning "explosive." They were used for a variety of targets, including buildings, troop concentrations, and other soft targets.

2. Construction and Composition:

• PC Bombs: Typically featured a hardened casing to enhance penetration capabilities. They often contained a smaller explosive charge designed to maximize the impact on armored targets.
• SC Bombs: These bombs had a more conventional design with a larger explosive charge, which was effective against a wider range of targets. The casing was not as hardened as that of the PC bombs.

3. Weight and Size:

• PC Bombs: Generally lighter and smaller than SC bombs, as they were designed for specific tactical applications against armored vehicles.
• SC Bombs: Available in various sizes and weights, including larger variants that could deliver significant explosive power over a broader area.

4. Fuze Mechanism:

• PC Bombs: Often equipped with specialized fuzes that allowed for delayed detonation, ensuring that the bomb penetrated the armor before exploding.
• SC Bombs: Utilized standard fuzes that could be set for immediate detonation or delayed detonation, depending on the tactical requirements.

5. Deployment:

• PC Bombs: Typically dropped from medium to high-altitude bombers, focusing on armored units and fortifications.
• SC Bombs: Used in a wider range of bombing missions, including strategic bombing campaigns against cities and industrial targets.

Conclusion

In summary, the main differences between the PC and SC bombs used by the Luftwaffe lie in their design purpose, construction, weight, fuze mechanisms, and deployment strategies. The PC bombs were specialized for anti-tank operations, while the SC bombs served as versatile high-explosive munitions for various tactical applications.