German Explosives
Smoke Grenade (Blendkorper 14)
Overall Length: 6 inches
Maximum Diameter: 2 and 1/2 inches
Total Weight: 13.2 ounces
Filling: (FM) Titanium Tetrachloride
Weight of Filling: 10.6 ounces
Description: This grenade is a tear drop shaped glass flask sealed at the upper end by drawing out the flask. The sealed tip is protected by a cardboard sleeve, sealed with a plaster of paris type material.
Operation: The munition is used by throwing against a hard surface which breaks the flask. The titanium tetrachloride then vaporizes, forming an effective smoke cloud if relative humidity is high. The smoke cloud is then at low relative humidity.
Employment: The grenade is used to produce a small smoke screen to blind the enemy. It is also used to patch gaps in larger screens.
Smoke Grenade (Blendkorper 24)
Overall Length: 4.8 inches
Maximum Diameter: 2 and 1/2 inches
Total Weight: 17 ounces
Filling: Titanium Tetrachloride (Outer Flask), Aqueous solution of Calcium Chloride (Inner Flask)
Filling Weight: 270g (Outer Flask), 36g (Inner Flask)
Description: The grenade consists of an outer glass bulb of molded construction and an inner glass tube which seats and is sealed on the neck of the outer flask. There is a white plastic washer at the junction. The grenade is sealed by a sulphur and cement plug. The solution of calcium chloride is supplied in the inner tube to provide water necessary for the reaction so that the grenade will cause an effective smoke at conditions of low relative humidity. The calcium chloride has probably been added to lower the freezing point of the water, thus the grenade is practical in a cold, dry climate.
Operation: The grenade is thrown and upon impact with a hard object it breaks causing a smoke.
Employment: It is for use to blind the enemy and also to repair gaps in larger screens.
Smoke Hand Grenade (Egg Type)
Overall Length: 5.3 inches
Overall Diameter: 1.96 inches
Body Length: 4.1 inches
Body Diameter: 1.7 inches
Description: The grenade body is of thin metal and is of an elongated egg shape. At the bottom, a small metal loop is welded or riveted on, and at the top there is a threaded hole to take the igniter. Near the top are three holes in the body for smoke emission.
The igniter used with this grenade is a standard pull type ZDSCHN ANZ 29. This igniter has a brass body and a steel ring at the top. The igniter screws into the top of the grenade and functions when the ring is pulled.
The grenade is identified by three white bands stencilled around the body and the letters "NB Eihgr. 42." A label near the bottom of the grenade warns that the fumes can be fatal in an enclosed space.
Next Time: German Mines and Grenades (Part 13)
Source: German Explosive Ordnance Vol. 1: Bombs, Rockets, Grenades, Mines, Fuzes & Igniters
No comments:
Post a Comment