Vickers Armstrong research and development collection - UPKEEP Trials Film, can 2, 1943

Film in which Avro Lancaster bomber aircraft drop several ‘Upkeep’ bouncing bombs during trials off the English coast. This includes both unsuccessful and successful trial, and inert and live weapons.

An Avro Lancaster bomber aircraft flies low over the sea off Reculver, dropping an Upkeep weapon on each pass. The first and third fail to bounce, the second disintegrates and the fourth appears to function as intended. Air-to-air and surface-based footage shows a Lancaster as it releases the first live Upkeep weapon during a trial off North Foreland. The bomb bounces, sinks and explodes, creating a large plume of water.