American Projectiles and Explosives - 5-inch Projectiles (Part 1)

American Projectiles and Explosives

5-inch Projectiles





5-inch Special Common Mk 38 Mods 1, 2, and 3

Guns used in: 5"/38
Overall length: 20.7 inches
Diameter of base: 4.985 inches
Distance base to band: 2.43 inches
Width of band: 2.25 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 2.04 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 55.18 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 3.69%

Cartridge case: Mk 5
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: Mk 9
Fuzes: Mk 20 and all Mods





5-inch Special Common Mk 42 Mods 0 and 1

Guns used in: 5"/54
Overall length: 26 inches
Overall length w/o windshield: 15.605 inches
Diameter of base: 4.26 inches
Distance base to band: 3.75 inches
Width of band: 2.25 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 2.14 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 70 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 3.06%

Cartridge case: Mk 6
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: Mk 5 (probably)
Fuzes: Mk 64 Mod 0

The Tracer Mk 9 may possibly be used in this projectile, although the Mk 5 is the preferred assembly.




5-inch Special Common Mk 46 Mods 1 and 2

Guns used in: 5"/38
Overall length w/ cap: 20.7 inches
Overall length w/o cap: 12.485 inches
Diameter of base: 4.985 inches
Distance base to band: 2.43 inches
Width of band: 2.25 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 2.04 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 55.18 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 3.69%

Cartridge case: Mk 5
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: Mk 9
Fuzes: Mk 20 Mods 0-2






5-inch Common Mk 15 Mods 12-14

Guns used in: 5"/50 (bag), 5"/51 (bag), 5"/51 (case)
Overall length: 17 inches
Diameter of base: 4.96 inches
Distance base to band: 0.65 inches
Width of band: 1.67 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder and TNT
Weight of filling: 1.7 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 50 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 3.46%

Cartridge case: Bag gun
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Integral in fuze
Fuzes: Mk 10 Mod 4 (B.I.F.)

When used in the 5"/51 case gun, Cartridge Case Mk 3 and Primer Mk 13 and all Mods are employed.

The Base Fuze Mk 10 Mod 9 may be used if the Mk 10 Mod 4 is unavailable.

The Mod 14 projectile may be issued B.L. & P. or B.L. & T. with adapter and Tracer Mk 6 Mod 1 for target practice.







5-inch Common Mk 32 Mods 1-4

Guns used in: 5"/38
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 20.7 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 13.6 inches
Diameter of base: 4.973 inches
Distance base to band: 2.43 inches
Width of band: 2.25 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 2.58 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 54 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 5%

Cartridge case: Mk 5
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: Mk 9
Fuzes: Mk 20 and all Mods










5-inch H.C. Mk 39 Mods 1 and 2

Guns used in: 5"/51
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 17 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 13.18 inches
Diameter of base: 4.985 inches
Distance base to band: 1.15 inches
Width of band: 2 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 3.65 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 50 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 7%

Cartridge case: Bag gun
Primer: Mk 15 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 5 Mod 1

Fuzes:
Base - Mk 28 and Mods

Nose - Mk 29 Mods 2 and 3 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 50 and all Mods (M. T. F.)
-Mk 63 Mod 9 (M.T.F.)
-Ssteel Nose Plug

Auxiliary Detonating Fuze:
-Mk 17 and Mods
-Mk 46 Mod 0
-Mk 54 Mods 0 and 1

Only a very few 5"/51 guns are in service in the fleet.

When employed in the 5"/51 case gun, Cartridge Case Mk 3 and Primer Mk 13 and all Mods are used.

The Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 54 is replacing the Mk 17 and Mk 46 in all assemblies.









5-inch H.C. Mk 41 Mod 0

Guns used in: 5"/54
Overall length: 26 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 22.28 inches
Diameter of base: 4.26 inches
Distance base to band: 3.75 inches
Width of band: 2.25 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 4.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 7.59 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 70 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 10.84%

Cartridge case: Mk 6
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: Mk 9 (Probably)

Fuzes:
Base - Mk 28 and Mods

Nose - Mk 25 Mod 1 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 30 Mods 2, and 3 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 59 Mod 0 (V. T. F.)

Auxiliary Detonating Fuze:
-Mk 43 Mod 1
-Mk 44 Mods 0 and 1


The Tracer Mk 5 may be used in this projectile, although the Mk 9 is the preferred assembly.

When the V.T. Fuze Mk 59 is employed, the projectile adapter is removed, and no base fuze or tracer is employed.  The base is closed by a gas-checked base fuze plug.

When the V.T. Fuze Mk 59 is used in this projectile, the Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 44 is used instead of the Mk 43.  With all other types of nose fuzing, the Auxiliary Detonator Mk 43 is employed.

Next Time: 5-inch Projectiles (Part 2)

American Projectiles and Explosives - 4-inch Projectiles

American Projectiles and Explosives

4-inch Projectiles





4-inch Common Mk 16 Mods 1 and 2

Guns used in: 4"/50
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 17.5 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 11.42 inches
Diameter of base: 3.96 inches
Distance base to band: 2.25 inches
Width of band: 1.85 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 3.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 1.16 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 33 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 3.03%

Cartridge case: Mk 2 Mod 1 and Mk 2 Mod 4
Primer: Mk 13 and Mods
Tracer: Mk 4
Fuzes: Mk 36 Mods 0 and 1, or Mk 20 Mods 1 and 2

The Base Fuze Mk 36 is the preferred assembly and is replacing the Mk 20.  This projectile is specially strengthened for extra armor-piercing qualities.




4-inch Common Mk 6 Mod 6 (Obsolete)

Guns used in: 4"/50
Overall length: 15.8 inches
Diameter of base: 3.96 inches
Distance base to band: 2.9 inches
Width of band: 1.02 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 3.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder and TNT
Weight of filling: 1.39 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 33 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 4.21%

Cartridge case: Mk 2 or Mk 2 Mod 3
Primer: Mk 13 and Mods
Tracer: Integral
Fuzes: Mk 10 Mod 4

This round may be issued B.L. & P. or B.L. & T. with the Tracer Mk 6 Mod 1 and adapter for target practice.




4-inch Common Mk 10 Mods 1, 2, and 3 (Obsolete)

Guns used in: 4"/50
Overall length: 15.8 inches
Diameter of base: 3.96 inches
Distance base to band: 2.75 inches
Width of band: 1.33 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 3.985 inches

Filling: Black Powder and TNT
Weight of filling: 1.39 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 33 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 4.21%

Cartridge case: Mk 2 or Mk 2 Mod 3
Primer: Mk 13 and Mods
Tracer: Integral in fuze

Fuzes: Mk 10 Mod 4

This round may be issued B.L. & P. or B.L. & T. with the Tracer Mk 6 Mod 1 and adapter for target practice.





4-inch H.C. Mk 15 Mod 1 and Ex-2 and Ex-2-1

Guns used in: 4"/50
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 18 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 14.28 inches
Diameter of base: 3.96 inches
Distance base to band: 2.25 inches
Width of band: 1.85 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 3.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 2.71 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 33 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 8.21%

Cartridge case: Mk 2 Mods 1 and 4
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: Mk 4 or Mk 9

Fuzes:
Base: Mk 31 or Mk 28 (B.D.F.)
Nose: Mk 30 and Mods 1, 2, 3 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 22 Mods 1-5 (M.T.F)
-Mk 51 and all Mods (M.T.F.)
-Steel nose plug

Auxiliary Detonating Fuze: Mk 17, or Mk46, or Mk 54 Mod 0

The Base Fuze Mk 31 is preferred for this projectile.  The Tracer Mk 4 is used with the Base Fuze Mk 31; the Mk 9, with the Fuze Mk 28.

The 4"/50 Ex-2 and Ex-2-1 are identical to Projectile Mk 15 except they are one pound heavier.  Approximately 18,000 of the Ex projectiles were manufactured and issued.

The Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 54 is replacing the Mk 17 and the Mk 46 fuzes in all assemblies.

Assembly of the Nose Fuze Mk 22 (M.T.F.) with this projectile has stopped.







4-inch Illuminating Mk 14 Mods 1-6

Guns used in: 4"/50
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 18.4 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 14.92 inches
Diameter of base: 3.933 inches
Distance base to band: 2.25 inches
Width of band: 1.85 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 3.985 inches

Filling: Black powder expelling charge; Magnesium flare
Weight of filling: Expelling charge - 1.25 ounces black powder
Weight of loaded projectile: 34.66 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 21 Mods 1 and 4
Primer: Mk 13 and all Mods
Tracer: None

Fuzes:
-Mk 18 Mods 2, 3, and 4
-Mk 50 all Mods
-Mk 63 Mod 0

The Fuze Mk 18 may be used in all Mods of this projectile; the Fuzes Mk 50 and Mk 63 are used only in the Mod 6 projectile.

Illuminating Contents Mk 3 are used in projectiles Mods 1-5; the Illuminating Contents Mk 4 Mod 4 are used in the Mod 6 projectile.

Next Time: 5-inch Projectiles (Part 1)

American Projectiles and Explosives - 3-inch Projectiles

American Projectiles and Explosives

3-inch Projectiles





3-inch A.P. Mk 29 Mods 1 and 2

Guns used in: 3"/50
Overall length w/ cap & windshield: 12.16 inches
Overall length w/o cap & windshield: 6.91 inches
Diameter of base: 2.98 inches
Distance base to band: 1.35 inches
Width of band: 1 inch
Diameter at bourrelet: 2.985 inches

Filling: Explosive D
Weight of filling: 0.3 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 13.10 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 2.28%

Cartridge case: Mk 7 and Mk 9
Primer: Mk 14, Mk 14 Mod 1
Tracer: Integral
Fuzes: Army M66A1 in base (B.D.F.)

This projectile was formerly issued without any explosive filling and with the Tracer Mk 4.  It is now being loaded and at present is fuzed with the Army Base Fuze M66A1.




3-inch Common Mk 3 Mod 7

Guns used in: 3"/23
Overall length: 10.035 inches
Diameter of base: 2.87 inches
Distance base to band: 1.8 inches
Width of band: 0.7 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 2.97 inches

Filling: Black Powder and TNT
Weight of filling: 0.28 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 13 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 2.15%

Cartridge case: Mk 2
Primer: Mk 10 Mod 9
Tracer: Integral in fuze

Fuzes: Base Ignition Fuze Mk 8 Mod 4
Base Ignition Fuzes Mk 9 Mod 5 or Mk 2 Mod 9 (without tracers) may be used in the projectile, but the Mk 8 Mod 4 with integral tracer is preferred.

This round may also be issued B.L. & P. or B.L. & T. with the Tracer Mk 7 for target practice.




3-inch A.A. Mk 23 Mods 1, 2, and 3 (Obsolete)

Guns used in: 3"/50
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 12.18 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 8.11 inches
Diameter of base: 2.98 inches
Distance base to band: 1.8 inches
Width of band: 0.7 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 2.98 inches

Filling: Cast TNT
Weight of filling: 0.74 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 13.05 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 5.67%

Cartridge case: Mk 3, Mk 3 Mods 2 and 3
Primer: Mk 14
Tracer: Mk 4

Fuzes:
Nose: Mk 22 and Mods 1 through 5 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 30 and Mods 1, 2, 3 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 51 and Mods (M.T.F.)

Auxiliary Detonating Fuze: Mk 17 and Mods, or Mk46, or Mk 54 Mod 0

The Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 54 replaced the Fuzes Mk 17 and Mk 46 in all assemblies.  Production of this projectile has been discontinued.





3-inch A.A. Mk 26 Mods 1 and 2

No picture available

Guns used in: 3"/28
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 12.13 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 8.11 inches
Diameter of base: 2.97 inches
Distance base to band: 1.8 inches
Width of band: 0.7 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 2.98 inches

Filling: Cast TNT
Weight of filling: 0.74 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 12.95 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 5.71%

Cartridge case: Mk 2
Primer: Mk 10 Mod 9
Tracer: Mk 4

Fuzes:
Nose: Mk 22 and Mods 1 through 5 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 51 and Mods (M.T.F.)

Auxiliary Detonating Fuze: Mk 17 and Mods, or Mk46, or Mk 54 Mod 0

The Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 54 replaced the Fuzes Mk 17 and Mk 46 in all assemblies.

The shape of the 3-inch A.A. Projectile Mk 26 is, for all general purposes, the same as that shown for the Mk 23.







3-inch A.A. Mk 27 Mods 1, 2, and 3

No picture available

Guns used in: 3"/50
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 12.18 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 8.11 inches
Diameter of base: 2.98 inches
Distance base to band: 1.35 inches
Width of band: 1 inch
Diameter at bourrelet: 2.98 inches

Filling: Cast TNT
Weight of filling: 0.74 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 13 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 5.67%

Cartridge case: Mk 7 all Mods, or Mk 9 Mod 0
Primer: Mk 14, Mk 14 Mod 1
Tracer: Mk 4

Fuzes:
Nose: Mk 22 and Mods 1 through 5 (M.T.F.)
-Mk 30 and Mods 1, 2, 3 (P.D.F.)
-Mk 51 and Mods (M.T.F.)

Auxiliary Detonating Fuze: Mk 17 and Mods, or Mk46, or Mk 54 Mod 0

This projectile becomes 3-inch H.C. when the Fuze Mk 30 is substituted for the Mk 22.  The Auxiliary Detonating Fuze Mk 54 is replacing the Mk 17 and the Mk 46 in all assemblies.

This projectile's shape is almost exactly similar to that of the Mk 23.





3-inch A.A. Mk 31 Mod 1

Guns used in: 3"/50
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 12.22 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 8.5 inches
Diameter of base: 2.98 inches
Distance base to band: 1.35 inches
Width of band: 1 inch
Diameter at bourrelet: 2.985 inches

Filling: Cast TNT, Composition A
Weight of filling: 0.54 pounds
Weight of loaded projectile: 12.9 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 4.1%

Cartridge case: Mk 7, or Mk 9
Primer: Mk 14, Mk 14 Mod 1
Tracer: None

Fuzes:
Nose: Mk 45 Mod 12 (V.T.F.)
-Mk 58 and all Mods (V.T.F.)

Auxiliary Detonating Fuze: Mk 44 Mods 0 and 1

This projectile is specially cavitized to receive V.T. fuzes and their auxiliary detonating fuzes.  No other fuzes may be assembled.  Since V.T. fuzing is employed, no tracer is assembled; instead, the base is solid, and a special sheet-steel base cover plate is welded on, 0.081 inches thick and 2.5 inches in diameter.

This projectile replaces the original Mk 31 Mod 0, which has been recalled from service use.  The Mod 0 was cavitized to receive the V.T. Fuze Mk 45 Mod 11, which differed from the Mod 12 by having a longer stem and has been declared unserviceable.

The V.T. Fuze Mk 58 is currently replacing the Mk 45 Mod 12 in all assemblies.









3-inch Illuminating Mk 21 Mods 1, 2, and 3

No picture available

Guns used in: 3"/50
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 13.07 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 9.32 inches
Diameter of base: 2.97 inches
Distance base to band: 1.8 inches
Width of band: 0.7 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 2.985 inches

Filling: Black powder expelling charge; magnesium flare - Illuminating Contents Mk 3
Weight of filling: Expelling charge - One ounce black powder
Weight of loaded projectile: 13 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 3 Mods 2 and 3
Primer: Mk 14, Mk 14 Mod 1
Tracer: None
Fuzes: Mk 22 Mods 1 through 5 (M.T.F.), or Mk 51 and all Mods (M.T.F.)








3-inch Illuminating Mk 22 Mods 1 - 5

No picture available

Guns used in: 3"/23
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 13.07 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 9.32 inches
Diameter of base: 2.965 inches
Distance base to band: 1.8 inches
Width of band: 0.7 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 2.98 inches

Filling: Black powder expelling charge; magnesium flare - Illuminating Contents Mk 3
Weight of filling: Expelling charge - 3/8 ounces black powder
Weight of loaded projectile: 13 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 2
Primer: Mk 10 Mod 9
Tracer: None
Fuzes: Mk 22 Mods 1 through 5 (M.T.F.), or Mk 51 and all Mods (M.T.F.)

3-inch Illuminating Mk 24 Mod 1

No picture available

Guns used in: 3"/50
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 13.07 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 9.35 inches
Diameter of base: 2.972 inches
Distance base to band: 1.8 inches
Width of band: 0.7 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 2.98 inches

Filling: Black powder expelling charge; magnesium flare - Illuminating Contents Mk 3
Weight of filling: Expelling charge - 3/8 ounces black powder
Weight of loaded projectile: 13.04 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 3, Mk 3 Mods 2 and 3
Primer: Mk 14, Mk 14 Mod 1
Tracer: None
Fuzes: Mk 22 Mods 1 through 5 (M.T.F.), or Mk 51 and all Mods (M.T.F.)










3-inch Illuminating Mk 25 Mod 1

No picture available

Guns used in: 3"/50
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 13.07 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 9.35 inches
Diameter of base: 2.962 inches
Distance base to band: 1.35 inches
Width of band: 1 inch
Diameter at bourrelet: 2.98 inches

Filling: Black powder expelling charge; magnesium flare - Illuminating Contents Mk 3
Weight of filling: Expelling charge - 3/8 ounces black powder
Weight of loaded projectile: 13.07 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 7 or Mk 9
Primer: Mk 14, Mk 14 Mod 1
Tracer: None
Fuzes:Nose: Mk 22 Mods 1 through 5 (M.T.F.), or Mk 51 and all Mods (M.T.F.)


Lot numbers 9 through 98 of the Fuze Mk 22 Mods 2 and 3 are authorized for use with Projectile Mk 25 and Mods in the guns Mk 21 and Mk 22.

3-inch Illuminating Mk 28 Mod 1

Guns used in: 3"/23
Overall length w/ nose fuze: 13.07 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 9.35 inches
Diameter of base: 2.965 inches
Distance base to band: 1.8 inches
Width of band: 0.7 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 2.98 inches

Filling: Black powder expelling charge; magnesium flare - Illuminating Contents Mk 3
Weight of filling: Expelling charge - 3/8 ounces black powder
Weight of loaded projectile: 13 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 2
Primer: Mk 10 Mod 9
Tracer: None
Fuzes:Nose: Mk 22 Mods 1 through 5 (M.T.F.), or Mk 51 and all Mods (M.T.F.)


Lot numbers 9 through 98 of the Fuze Mk 22 Mods 2 and 3 are authorized for use with Projectile Mk 25 and Mods in the guns Mk 21 and Mk 22.

Next Time: 4-inch Projectiles

American Projectiles and Explosives - 20mm and 40mm Projectiles

American Projectiles and Explosives

Minor Caliber Projectiles




20mm Ammunition

Two types of 20mm weapons are at present in service use in the Navy: the Oerlikon anti-aircraft gun and the Hispano-Suiza aircraft gun.  These types differ widely in construction and functioning; and it is emphasized that the ammunition, though somewhat similar in external appearance, is not interchangeable.




Ammunition for Oerlikon Gun

The Oerlikon gun and its ammunition are of naval manufacture and design.  The ammunition may be distinguished from that designed for the Hispano-Suize gun by the reduced diameter of the extractor lip at the base of the cartridge case.  For identification of the individual types of rounds, the body of the projectile is painted a distinctive color, as follows:

*When the projectile is assembled with "Dark Ignition" tracers, a 1/8-inch bright red band will be painted around it midway between the bourrelet and the rotating band.

The Mark and Mod, manufacturer's initials or symbol, and lot number are stamped around the body of the projectile.


Abbreviations in Minor Calibers

H.E. --- High Explosive
I. --- Incendiary
T. --- Tracer
B.L. --- Blind Loaded
P. --- Plugged
S.D. --- Self-Destructive
D.I. --- Dark Ignition



Ammunition for Hispano-Suiza Gun

This gun and its ammunition are Army-designed but have been adopted as Naval equipment with the installation of the gun on Naval planes.  The ammunition is distinguished from that designed for the Oerlikon gun by the extractor lip on the base of the cartridge, which is the same diameter as the rest of the case.  Two series of ammunition for this gun are in use.  The "Old Series" consists of unmatched rounds, some adapter from British prototype, others designed by the Army.  The "New Series" is a set of ballistically matched rounds designed by the Army to supersede those of the "Old Series".  For identification of the individual types of rounds, the body of the projectile is painted a distinctive color, as follows:

1.1"/75 Ammunition

The body of these projectiles, now obsolete items, were unpainted except for two dots below the fuze, indicating as follows:

Explosive D --- Yellow dot
Tracer --- Red dot

A newer color marking was proposed for the 1.1-inch ammunition.  Some projectiles may be found painted as follows:

H.E.-T.  -- Light Gray with White band
H.E.-T./S.D. -- Dark Green with White band
B.L. and P. -- Red overall
B.L. and T. -- Red overall with White band




40mm Ammunition

These projectiles are identified by distinctively colored bodies, as follows:

The tracer composition is either a red burning mixture in the tracer -- "T" rounds -- or a non-luminous burning compound in the "Self-Destructive" rounds.

"Dark" and "Dark Ignition Tracer": To eliminate the blinding effect on 40mm and 20mm gunners from tracer fire at night, and also to make the origin of tracer fire less distinct, these tracers were developed toward the close of the war.  The dark ignition tracer is invisible until the projectile is 100 to 400 yards from the gun's muzzle, and then it is visible for the rest of its time of flight.  Details of these tracers are described with their appropriate projectile and tracer housing.

Inert Fillers

(For details on explosive payloads, please see earlier updates in the US explosive updates)


Blind Loaded and Plugged (B.L. & P.):  A projectile may be loaded with sand or other inert material and sealed with a solid base plug, or the tracer hole (fuze hole) in a base plug may be blanked off.

Blind Loaded and Tracer (B.L. & T.): These projectiles have an inert load, but a tracer is inserted in the fuze hole of the base plug.

White Phosphorus: An unstable smoke-incendiary agent, white phosphorus ignites when exposed to air and produces dense white smoke.  It also has its incendiary, anti-personnel effect.

Gas: The various types of gas fillings are listed further below.

Color and Markings of new projectiles, 3-inch and larger

Explosive Indicator

Yellow ---- Explosive D
Grey ---- Black Powder
Green ---- TNT
1/2 Grey and 1/2 Green band ---- TNT and Black Powder mix
Red ---- Inert material or empty
Blue ---- Composition A

Time Fuze Stripe

Projectiles having a nose time fuze shall have a 1/4-inch white stripe painted longitudinally from the stationary lug on the fuze two inches aft.

Body Color

Black ---- AP

Slate Grey ---- Common

Green -- AA, HC, and AA Common

Light blue with two white stars ---- Illumination

Aluminum ---- Window

White ---- Shrapnel

Ocean Grey ---- Smoke, Gas, or Incendiary

Red ---- Targer ammunition

V.T. Fuzed

The letters "V.T." 3/4-inch high are stencilled just before the rear edge of the paint indicating the burster charge.

Tracer Band

A white band with four dots 90 degrees apart indicates the color of the tracer.

Spotting Band

The color indicates the color of the spotting charge.

"Window" Mark

This consists of a one-inch high "W" on each side, 180 degrees apart, just abaft the forward bourrelet.

Stenciling on Body

The following information is stenciled between the rotating band and the forward bourrelet on new projectiles:

-Ammunition lot number

-Caliber and type of projectile

-Mark and Mod of projectile

-Type nose fuze (whether MTF, PDF, VTF, Mk 32 and similar types, or Dummy Nose Plug)

-Mark and Mod of fuze

-Lot number of fuze (for Mk 32 and similar types only)

-Mark and Mod of auxiliary detonating fuze

-Mark and Mod of base detonating fuze

-Mark and Mod of tracer 

-Color of tracer

-Mark and Mod of guns in which projectile can be used

-Mark and Mod of "Window" load

-Stamped on rotating band

-Mark and Mod of projectile

-Size and Type of projectile

-Lot number and year of specification

-Inspector's seal and initials

-Sometimes the manufacturer's name is included here

Stamped on base or on base plug

-Mark and Mod, size, and type of projectile

-Lot number, year of specification

-Inspector's seal and initial

-Manufacturer's name

The serial number of the projectile will also be stamped on the base plug on the side of the body, and on the windshield if present.

Chemical Filler Markings

Two green bands, 1/2-inch apart ---- Persistent casualty gas
One green band ---- Non-persistent casualty gas
One red band ---- Harassing gas
One yellow band ---- Smoke
One purple band ---- Incendiary

Also, on projectiles having a chemical filler, there is stenciled the type of chemical, such as SMOKE, INCENDIARY, or GAS, and the symbol or letter designating the particular filler.





Color and Marking of older projectiles, 3-inch and larger


In addition to the explosive filler, body color, spotting specifications, and base and band stamping mentioned above, the older projectiles had the following markings:

Tracer Band: White band with three dots, indicating tracer color, 120 degrees apart.

V.T. Fuzing: One-half inch red band painted one-half inch abaft the nose fuze.


Stenciled on the body

-Size, caliber, Mark and Mod of projectile
-Mark and Mod of fuzes
-Explosive filling and density of loading
-Abbreviated name of loading dept.
-Initials of Chief Inspector
-Date of filling and marking; any changes in filling, fuzing, etc.


Stamped on base

Weights before and after filling.

Next Time: 3-inch Projectiles