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

German Projectiles - Introduction and Colour and Markings System

German Projectiles





Introduction to German Artillery Projectiles



Classes of German Artillery Ammunition

Class #1: (Fixed Ammunition) Ammunition, the complete round of which, can be loaded into the weapon in one operation.  The cartridge case, containing a primer and propelling charge is permanently crimped to the projectile.


Class #2: Ammunition, the complete round of which, is loaded in two operations.  The cartridge case, containing a primer and a propellant charge is not crimped to the projectile.  The propelling charge is in bags and the charge can be varied at the point of firing.  The projectile is packed and shipped separately, and the cartridge case and propellant are packed as one unit.


The Germans employ cartridge cases in all their artillery ammunition.  The cases are employed for the main purpose of preventing the escape of gas to the rear.

 Nomenclature

The Germans designate a round of artillery ammunition by the Caliber, Type of Ammunition, (Model No. of the round), Type of Weapon fired from, and (Model No. of the Weapon.)

The caliber of German Artillery Ammunition is measured in centimeters.  The Germans refer to calibers approximately; for instance, the 10.5cm gun is always known as the "s 10cm K.18", (Heavy 10cm Model No.18)

In naming the various types of projectiles, the Germans employ the word, "Granate", (abbreviated "gr." or "Gr.").  "Granate" is used as a base word for all the various types of rounds.  By adding a prefix and/or a suffix to the word, the exact nature of the projectile is indicated.



Prefix added to the word "Granate"

(In order to differentiate between the various types of Armor Piercing Rounds, numbers are added after the word Pzgr.)

Panzergranate 39 -- Pzgr. 39 -- APCBCHE (Armor Piercing Cap, Ballistic Cap [windshield] High Explosive)

Panzergranate 40 -- Pzgr. 40 -- A.P. Shot with a tungsten carbide core

Panzergranate 41 -- Pzgr. 41 -- A.P. Shot with a tungsten carbide core for tapered bore gun (Gerlich gun)

Sprenggranate 41 -- Sprgr. 41 -- H.E. Shell for a tapered bore gun



Suffix added after "Granate"

For the most part the Germans do not give Model Numbers to their artillery ammunition.  In several of the old rounds Model Numbers are indicated.  The numbers used are the lat two of the year in which the round was made standard.  These are only used in the nomenclature when there is more than one model of any specific type.  In the case of the "Pzgr." (Armor Piercing) rounds,  the numbers appearing after the word merely indicates the type of Armor Piercing round and are not Model Numbers.


Rot. or L'spur. (Leuchtspur) included int he designation indicates tracer.

This nomenclature is followed by the word "Patronen" abbreviated Patr., meaning cartridge.  This is the German way of indicating a complete round.  It is similar to the British nomenclature, in that the British use the word "cartridge" to designate all their complete rounds.

The Germans include the name of the type of the weapon in designating their ammunition.  This nomenclature is given in the form of an abbreviation.

 
In some instances a letter in parenthesis is added to the nomenclature after the word indicating the type of projectile.  These letters are used to indicate material of foreign origin.  The following are some of the letters used for this purpose.

(t) Czech
(f) French
(p) Polish
(r) Russian
(o) Austrian

In some cases the following may be included in the nomenclature:

German --- English
              NA --- New Pattern
        umg --- Modified
     St --- Steel


The following details of stencilling on projectiles are arranged in the sequence in which the markings are normally found commencing at the nose of the projectile.

Z.F.Hbgr - (In black) On the windshield of an H.E.B.C. shell indicates the use of a nose fuze under the windshield

R or Mr - (In black near the tip) Indicates the presence of a smoke box.

Arabic numerals - (In black on the head of the shell just below the fuze hole, or on the body of the shell), indicates the type of H.E. filler.  The more common of these are given below.

The following are some examples of German ammunition nomenclature.

4.7cm Sprgr. Patr. Pak (t) - 47mm H.E. Shell for the A.T. gun of Czech make.

3.7cm Pzgr. Patr. 40 Pak - 37mm A.P. Shot - Tungsten Carbide core for the A.T. gun.

7.62cm Pzgr. Patr. 40 Pak. 36 (r) - 76.2mm (3") A.P. Shot - Tungsten Carbide core for the A.T. gun 36 (Russian design).

8.8cm Sprgr. Patr. Flak 36 - 88mm H.E. Shell for the Anti-Aircraft gun 36.




Color of the Projectile

 
Projectiles of the latter type are sometimes painted white.  This color appears to be used for projectiles in the experimental stage supplied for trial by the Army in the field.

Band marking is not common use except for a red band above the rotating band in some shells, indicating a tracer, and a yellow band for the 3.7cm aluminum colored H.E. tracer shell.

The place and date of the filling of the projectile, followed by a lot number in black, is on the shoulder of the projectile in the form of an abbreviation.

The Weight Zone of the projectile is indicated by Roman numerals, black in color near the bourrelet.

In the following instances the type of shell, and to some extend the nature of the filling, is indicated by 2.4" letters stencilled at two positions round the shell midway between the rotating band and bourrelet.

The place and date of assembly, followed by a lot number, are stencilled in 4" black or red lettering above the rotating band, e.g., "Lr 4.640L."



Stamping on the Projectile

The following are stamped on the ogive in the order in which they appear.

1.  Acceptace test number
2.  Delivery number, firm and year of manufacture
3.  Firm's proof mark


The following appear on the body of the projectile:

1. An acceptance stamp, water pressure test and an acceptance stamp, second test.
2. Acceptance stamp (Hardness).
3. Shell model number.
4. Delivery number, firm, year of manufacture, acceptance stamp of release.


The following appear on the base:
1. Delivery number, firm, year of manufacture.
2. Projectile model number.
3. Acceptance stamp for fitted base.
4. Acceptance stamp.




Identification of the Fixed Cartridge Case and Charges

  

  
Stencilling on side of Case


The following details are arranged in the sequence in which the markings are normally found between the approximate center of the case and flange at the base;

1. The caliber, types and model numbers of the weapons for which the round is suitable are stencilled in the form: 7.5cm KWK 40 (7.5cm, tank gun Model 40).  Where a round is suitable for more than one equipment, the designation of the equipment is stencilled in sequence with the letter "u" signifying "and" as a conjunction.

2. The weight of the propellant charge in grams is stencilled int he form of numerals, followed by the letter "g" below the nomenclature of the ammunition. (e.g. "164g")

3. The nature, shape and size of the propellant charge are stencilled below the marking indicating the charge weight.

The following markings are used to indicate the nature of the propellant

  [Note: My copy is either missing #4 and #5, or they don't exist.]

6.  The red stencilling used to indicate propellant charges of a reduced weight for hot climates may be found near the base of the case, just above the flange, or higher up the side of the case, above the other stencilling.  The marking used:  Tp ---- 25* C.  indicates that the normal or standard charge temperature on which the weight of the charge is based is 25 degrees Celsius (77 degrees Fahrenheit).  The German standard charge temperature for normal European temperatures is 10 degrees Celsius. (50 degrees Fahrenheit)

 7. In some instances cases are stencilled:  "Abgebr Ldg" in red.  This marking is found near the base (corresponding to the position of the Tp - 25* C. marking) and probably refers to the propellant charges of low stability which are to be give priority in expenditure.


Stencilling on the base of Fixed Cartridge Cases


Type of the projectile is stencilled in white or black to the left above the primer hole.

In some instances the Roman numerals indicating the weight classification of the projectile are stencilled in white to the right below the primer hole.


Stampings on the base of Fixed Cartridge Cases


Model number of case.
St. - after model number of case -- indicates a steel case.
Model, Cal. and type of weapon.
Manufacturer's Initial.
Delivery number.
Year of manufacture.


Markings on Cartridge Bags in Fixed Rounds


The markings are the same as those stencilled on the side of the case except that the caliber, type and model number of the equipment are not included.

Markings on Semi-Fixed Cartridge Cases


A cardboard or leatherboard cup is used to close the mouth of the cartridge case in a round where the cartridge case is packed separately.

A label, found on the closing cup, contains information corresponding to the stencilling on the side of the fixed cartridge case.  The information is as follows:

Details of the weapon.
Charge weight.
Kind.
Type (size and shape of the charge.)
Place and date of manufacture of propellant.
Place and date of filling.
Indication of propellant charges for hot climates.


Cases with steel covers for packing and transport, which are removed before loading, have neither labels nor stencilling relating to the propellant charge except the stencilling "Tp.25* C." imprinted on the base where applicable.  Details of the propellant are available, however, from the stencilling on the charge bags.

Stamping ont he base of the case is the same as that on the base of a fixed round, except that the caliber of the equipment is sometimes omitted.


Markins on the Cartridge Bags of a "Semi-Fixed" Round


These bags are marked similarly to the markings on fixed bags, except that the designation of the weapon is included.  In some cases the caliber is not included.  "Bleidraht im Beutel" indicates lead wire is included in the bag as a decoppering agent.

The number indicating the charge is marked prominently in black.  The letter "D" often follows this number and in some instances the marking is encircled by a red ring.


"Sonderkart" - Supercharge - With certain weapons additional charge sections, to be used for long ranges in place of those in the cartridge case, are supplied in cylindrical cardboard packages.  These sections are numbered in continuation of those supplied for use at normal ranges in the case.  Cardboard packages containing these additional charge sections are marked "Sonderkart" followed by the numeral of the section.


Marking of Primers for "Fixed" and "Semi-Fixed" Ammunition


Designation -- C followed by number.

Example: - C/33
nA - New Pattern
St - Steel


Marking of Flash Reducing Charges


This charge is found in a flat circular silk bag and is identified by the words "Kart. Vorl.", followed by the abbreviation indicating the weapon with which used and the weight of the charge in grams.

 

Next Time: 7.92mm to 30mm Projectiles

Italian Explosive Ordnance - Cartridge Cases

Italian Explosive Ordnance

Cartridge Cases



 It is the Italian practice to have more than one weight for the normal charge for a particular equipment.  These are referred to as 1st, 2nd, and 3rd normal charge.  In terms of weight, these represent decreasing values.  The charge may be a flashless type or nonflashless.  A flashless charge is obtained by the inclusion of bags containing potassium chloride.  Two types of marking and coloring systems were used.

The Old System had:

A. Colored rings on the base of the cartridge to refer to the propellent charge.

Red ---------- 1st normal charge
Blue ---------- 2nd normal charge
2 black rings ---------- 3rd normal charge
Red and White ----------- 1st flashless charge
Blue and White ----------- 2nd flashless charge
2 black half rings ---------- 3rd flashless charge
Green and White ----------- Special charge for star shells


B. Colored triangles on the base.

Black ---- 1st class condition
Green ---- Near end of its life
Yellow ---- Practice



C. Other marks

Green circle ---- AA
White ----- Star Shell
C.L. ----- Tracer fitted


On 76/17 and smaller calibers, there is insufficient space for complete rings and so color letters give details.

D. On the bags are the following general markings relating to propellent.

1. Initial of manufacturer
2. Lot and date of manufacture
3. Place and date of proof
4. Place and date of filling





The New System:

The type of charge is indicated by a number in brackets, as follows:

[1] - 1st normal charge
[2] - 2nd normal charge
[3] - 3rd normal charge

If the charge is flashless, there is a half black ring on the base.  A complete black ring indicates a special charge for light projectiles, usually a 3rd normal charge.

The following signs have indicated significance:

Black circle ----- AA
Black triangle ----- 1st class condition
Black square ----- 2nd class condition
Black diamond ----- Near end of life
Black star ----- Star shell
C.L. ----- Tracer fitted

75/13mm Mountain Gun Cartridge Case

Overall length: 129 mm
Overall diameter at mouth: 77.2 mm
Width of rim: 4 mm
Diameter at rim: 85 mm
Weight of empty case: 0.67 kilograms
Igniter: 10 g black powder
Primer: Percussion Primer M29 or M35








75/18mm Mountain Howitzer Cartridge Case

Overall length: 185 mm
Overall diameter at mouth: 78.5 mm
Width of rim: Unknown
Diameter at rim: 90.2 mm
Weight of empty case: 0.83 kilograms
Igniter: 10 g black powder
Primer: Percussion Primer M29 or M35

  

75/27mm Field Gun Cartridge Case

Overall length: 185.4 mm
Overall diameter at mouth: 78.5 mm
Width of rim: 3.6 mm
Diameter at rim: 90.2 mm
Weight of empty case: 0.835 kilograms
Igniter: 10 g black powder
Primer: Percussion Primer M29 or M35









75/32mm Light Field Gun Cartridge Case

Overall length: 334.1 mm
Overall diameter at mouth: 78.5 mm
Width of rim: 3.6 mm
Diameter at rim: 90.2 mm
Weight of empty case: 1.4 kilograms
Igniter: 10 g black powder










77/28mm Field Gun Cartridge Case

Igniter: 10 g black powder
Primer: Percussion Primer MO8 P.B. 29 or 35











100/17mm Light Field Howitzer Cartridge Case

Overall length: 132 mm
Overall diameter at mouth: 103.6 mm
Width of rim: 4 mm
Diameter at rim: 115 mm
Weight of empty case: 1.21 kilograms
Primer: Percussion Primer M29 or M35

Remarks: This cartridge case and loadings are also used for the 100/17mm Mountain Howitzer.

105/14mm Light Field Howitzer Cartridge Case

Overall length: 135 mm
Overall diameter at mouth: 110.9 mm
Diameter at rim: 122 mm
Weight of empty case: 1.76 kilograms
Igniter: 25 grams black powder
Primer: Percussion Primer M29 or M35





105/28mm Gun Cartridge Case
 

Overall length: 135 mm
Overall diameter at mouth: 110.9 mm
Diameter at rim: 122 mm
Weight of empty case: 1.76 kilograms
Igniter: 25 or 30 grams black powder with 5 grams of lead foil as a de-coppering charge
Primer: Percussion Primer M29 or M35

Remarks: Most cases for 105mm caliber guns are the same, but the propellent loading varies.  This same type of case and loading is used for the 105/32mm gun.







149/12mm Heavy Field Howitzer Cartridge Case

Overall length: 100 mm
Overall diameter at mouth: 157.2 mm
Diameter at rim: 171 mm
Weight of empty case: 1.8 kilograms
Igniter: 25 g black powder
Primer: Percussion Primer M29 or M35

149/13mm Heavy Field Howitzer Cartridge Case

Overall length: 221 mm
Overall diameter at mouth: 151.9 mm
Width of rim: 6 mm
Diameter at rim: 164.7 mm
Igniter: 25 g black powder
Primer: Percussion Primer M29 or M35








152/37mm Gun Cartridge Case

Overall length: 767 mm
Overall diameter at mouth: Unknown
Width of rim: Unknown
Diameter at rim: 180 mm
Weight of empty case: 9.72 kilograms
Igniter: 50 g black powder
Primer: Percussion Primer M35

Remarks: The charge of the propellent varies with the type of projectile used.










380/15mm Heavy Howitzer Cartridge Case

Overall length: 855 mm
Overall diameter at mouth: 390 mm
Width of rim: Unknown
Diameter at rim: 420 mm
Weight of empty case: 44 kilograms

Next Time: Italian Hand and Mortar Grenades

Italian Explosive Ordnance - Projectiles (Introduction)

Italian Explosive Ordnance

Italian Projectiles and Cases

Introduction

The projectiles used by the Italian army were very similar to French, British, and Japanese in construction and appearance.  In some cases, the projectiles were direct copies of British ammunition and used the same fuzing and filling.

Most field equipment is semi-fixed, with the smaller caliber and anti-aircraft guns using fixed ammunition.  When the semi-fixed type of ammunition is used, the propellent charge is divided into a number of parts which are enclosed in silk bags.

The first part is known by the Italians as the "fundamental," and the other part as "augmentative."  Igniters of black powder are also included.  The complete charge is enclosed in the cartridge case by means of a cardboard closing cup.  In the base of the cases are fitted percussion primers of standard design.

In guns using bag ammunition, an igniter, which has an extension piece fitted into the vent hole, is used.  For initiation of the charge, the types of tubes used are; friction, percussion, and electric-percussion.

The Italians designated their projectiles by the caliber, the specific equipment in which they were used, and the model numbers of projectiles.  In most cases, the model number is thought to have designated the year in which the ammunition was designed.

Types of Projectiles

    

1. High-Explosive (H.E.): These are of conventional design and are usually fitted with a point detonating fuze, with a booster charge below the fuze.  They most commonly have a shell body of forged steel and a parallel-wall inner cavity.  The cavity and exterior are machined over-all.  The cavity is threaded internally at the top to receive the nose adapter.  The latter is a machined forging, internally threaded at the nose to receive the fuze, and externally threaded at the base for attachment to the shell body.

In the medium caliber shell, the nose, contrary to the usual Italian practice, is sometimes formed by the "bottling" process with the upper portion threaded to take the fuze.  Another common method of construction is that which incorporates a shell machined from rolled bar steel and having a parallel-walled cavity of the same diameter as the nose adapter, or, in some cases where there is no adapter, the cavity is the same diameter as the fuze.

Some H.E. projectiles were cast and then machined.  The base plates of these shells also vary.  Some have no base plate, while others have the screwed type, the pressed-in type, or a steel plate soldered to the base of the shell.  The majority of the projectiles have on rotating band of pure copper, but a few have two rotating bands.

The booster system is of two types.  The first, the old system, consists of a metal tube containing compressed ballistite with a flash hole at each end.  This tube fits beneath the nose fuze and has underneath it a larger charge of ballistite, which is also in a metal tube and has a flash hole at the top only.

The latest type of booster system was designated "Detonatore AD Alto Explosivo" by Italians and was given the numbers 1 through 6, and called M35 or M38.  It consists of two parts, the upper part which fits immediately below the fuze and consists of an aluminum cylinder with a collar.  Inside this is another tube which contains a layer of cyclonite above which is a layer of lead azide.  Below this part is the other, which consists of two or more cylinders of TNT wrapped in oiled paper.  The upper cylinder has a central cavity to take the upper detonator tube.
 
  

2. Hollow Charge (E.P. and E.P.S.): A large range of artillery weapons are found to have been equipped with hollow charge ammunition.  Of the type that have been recovered, all show a similarity of design.  They appear to be converted H.E. shells.

The body of the shell is the same as that of the corresponding H.E. shells.  The almost hemispherical head is made of light alloy and, to overcome the difficulties in direction of rifling of different equipment, the head is secured to the body by indentation.  The nose portion of the shell is hollow and has a cavity liner pressed from 1mm steel plate, parabolic in shape.

There are two types of these shells, one using a base fuze only (E.P.) and the other, the late type (E.P.S.), incorporating a nose fuze with long flash tube leading to the center of the explosive charge.  this follows the German design.  The rotating band is usually located about 1/3 the distance from the base of the shell.  The explosive filling consists of 58% cyclonite, 40.5% TNT, and 1.5% wax.  The filling is cast with the fuze and booster assembled in the cavity.

  

3. Fragmentation: This type is also very similar to the H.E. projectiles, but contains a liner which fits into the internal cavity.  In most cases, the combustion type of time nose fuze is used.  The shell body is of forged steel with a comparatively thin wall, and is fitted with a copper driving band.

The forward end is screw-threaded internally to receive the adapter.  The body contains a fragmentation cylinder machined from grey cast iron, which is grooved along its length and circumferentially on the exterior to assist fragmentation.  A channel is formed through the center of the cylinder to accommodate the bursting charge.

Red lead is inserted between the exterior of the cylinder, the wall of the shell, and the fragmentation grooves.  The nose adapter is machined from grey cast iron and is screw-threaded internally to two diameters to receive the booster and the fuze, respectively.  The exposed portion of the adapter forms the head of the shell and is shaped to form a sloping shoulder with a cylindrical neck.  The base of the adapter is recessed to fit over the forward end of the explosive filling.  From tests, it has been found that the break up of the fragmentation cylinder generally follows the line of weakness. 

   
   

4. Armor Piercing (A.P.): Most Italian armor piercing shells are conventional in design.  The shell is generally machined from steel bar stock and then hardened from the rotating band forward.  A ballistic cap may or may not be fitted.  All but a very few have small explosive filling of TNT and a base fuze.

5. Shrapnel: The later type is designed on conventional lines.  It differs from the British type in having gunpowder pellets in the central booster tube.  An earlier type had a charge of TNT in the nose.  The shell has a nose adapter, a flash tube to the explosive filling located in the base of the cavity, and a diaphragm separating the explosive filling from the shrapnel bullets.

The shell body is forged steel and is machined externally.  The explosive cavity and bearing surfaces of the diaphragm are also machined.  The nose adapter, which forms a cover for the shrapnel bullets and provides a slot for the flash tube, is machined from bar stock.  The flash tube is of brass and fits between slots in the nose adapter and diaphragm.  The diaphragm is stamped steel plate.  The shrapnel bullets, varying from 100 to 250 in number, are lead-antimony alloy. 

   

6. Aerial Burst or Impact (A.D.E.): Projectiles designated "A.D.E." are regular High Explosive shells but have the A.D.E. type fuzes, which are time or percussion fuzes.

  

7. Anti-Aircraft (A.A.): These projectiles are H.E. shells with an aerial burst fuze.






Markings

Before 1931 the following coloring system was used:

Color of Body

Grey ----- H.E.

White ----- High Capacity H.E.

Blue ----- Fragmentation

Carmine ----- Shrapnel

Color of Nose (Ogive same color as body)

 Red ----- Practice Shell

Carmine ----- Star Shell

Black ----- Tracer

Color of Ogive

Red ----- H.E. or A.P.

Carmine ----- Incendiary

Black ----- Smoke

Yellow ----- Chemical

Since 1931, the shell body has been zincated and the ogive and nose painted in distinctive colored bands may be found on the body of the shell.  The following coloring scheme was used:

Color of ogive or nose same as before 1931

Band above the Rotating Band

Green ----- Steel shell

White ----- High Capacity H.E.

Red ----- Shrapnel

Blue ----- Fragmentation

Black ----- Practice

Band at Shoulder

Blue ----- Anti-Aircraft

The stenciling of which the following examples may be found on the body of the projectile:

  

100/17 - Caliber/length of weapon in calibers

   

Tritolo - Explosive Filling

   

61.000 kg - Weight of Projectile

    

A.P. VIII 1928 - Place and date of filling

    

    

    

Explosive Filling

  

The following explosive fillings have been found used by the Italians.

   

Italian Nomenclature

   

1. Tritolo - TNT

2. PNP - Ammonium Nitrate (75%), PETN (20%), Wax (5%)

3. MAT - Picric Acid (60%), TNT (40%)

4. MBT - Picric Acid, Dimitrophenol

5. Pertite - Picric Acid

6. Schneiderite - Ammonium Nitrate (87%), Dinitronapthalene (13%)

7. Nougat MST - Ammonium Nitrate (50%), Dinitronapthalene (7%), TNT (43%)

8. Toluolammonal - Ammonium Nitrate (47%), TNT (30%), Aluminum (20%), Carbon (3%)

9. MNDT Siperite - Ammonium Nitrate (72.8%), Dinitronapthalene (10.5%), TNT (16.7%)

10. Amathol Explosive 60/40 - Amathol

11. Ecrasite - Ammonium Triniteocresol

12. Tritolite - TNT (50%), Cyclonite (50%)

    

    

    

Propellants

    

The composition of the propellants has no outstanding features.  Apparently only three types were used in service:

    

1. A straight ballistite (Ballistite or Bal.) containing about 50% nitro-cellulose and 50% nitroglycerin without stabilizer.

    

2. A modified ballistite (Ballistite Attenuate or Bal. Att.) containing 60% nitro-cellulose, 26% nitroglycerin, and 14% dinitroluene as a moderant coating.

    

3. The so-called "Italian Cordite" which usually bears no markings other than the weapon and propellant sizes.  This contains about 72% nitro-cellulose, 24% nitroglycerin, and 4% mineral jelly.  In addition, this type of propellant has been found to contain sodium carbonate or bicarbonate, presumably as an additional stabilizer.

    

In some cases, bags containing potassium chloride have been found included in the charges, presumably as a flash-reducing agent.  The shapes encountered have been flat strip, cord, square flake, and tubular cord. 

    

An example of marking of the propellant is:

   

"Ballistite Attenulata Piastine - 1 x 10 x 220 days CKA VI grs. 570" 

   

The marking reads it as a charge of 570 grams of "Ballistite in Attenuata" strip form 1mm x 10mm x 220mm for the 75mm gun.

 
Naval and Coastal Defence Equipment

The equipment is simpler to design as the Army but different distinctly in markings from Italian field equipment.  The following coloring is used:


H.E. --- White body with red ogive
Star --- White body with red ogive
Practice --- Yellow with grey and white nose


Special light projectiles, as opposed to heavy projectiles, have green bodies and white heads (grey if made of cast iron).

Star --- Green band above the rotating band
A.P. --- Blue band above the rotating band
Practice H.E. --- Yellow band above the rotating band
A.P. Shot --- Red band above the rotating band


(Piercing caps - Red; Ballistic caps - Unpainted)

The markings on the H.E. projectiles are:


On the body - Caliber and filling
On the ogive - Type, date, and place of filling
C.L. - Tracer fitted

Star shells have a black triangle on the ogive which may or may not enclose a black disc.  This refers to type of star filled.

Next Time: Italian Small Arms Ammunition

Imperial Japanese Explosives - Army and Navy Markings and Designations

 

 

 

 

Imperial Japanese Explosives

 

 

 

 

It came to my mind that I forgot to add the descriptive information regarding IJA bombs: their designations, construction, and so on.  Thus, it will be added here alongside the Navy's version.  These also differ from the posts some time ago containing descriptions given for "Ammunition" posts.

 

I would also like to take this moment to apologize for this omission, and thank the readers for your continued interest.

 

 

 

Imperial Japanese Army Bombs

 

1. Designation: The Japanese Army designates its bombs according to a type number, weight, and sometimes a descriptive title.

 

a. The type number indicates the year in which the bomb was adopted for service use.

 

b. The weight is expressed in kilograms and usually is stenciled on the bomb.

 

c. The descriptive title is not used on the standard high-explosive bombs but is used on others.  The descriptive title such as smoke, incendiary, gas, substitute, practice, and anti-shipping, indicate the purpose of the bomb.

 

 

2. Construction: The standard high-explosive bombs are of three-piece construction.  On older bombs the tail cone, which is filled with explosive, is welded to the cylindrical body, and the nose section is threaded to the body.  In later models the nose is welded to the body and the tail cone is threaded on.

 

Some of the anti-shipping bombs utilize two-piece construction; the nose and body are of one piece, and the tail cone is threaded to the body.  The special construction features of the various anti-shipping bombs are described under the individual bombs.

 

 

3. Suspension: All the Army bombs except those carried in containers are suspended by a single hinged rectangular lug located at the center of gravity.

 

 

4. Filling: High-explosive bombs are usually filled with precast, paper-wrapped blocks of explosive surrounded by paraffin, or in the latest type by cast TNT.  When fillings other than picric acid are used, the nature of the filling may be stenciled on the bomb.  Bombs filled with an explosive other than the standard filling for that bomb are marked with the Japanese character for "special."

 

 

5. Color and Markings: High-explosive bombs are painted black overall.  A red band around the tip of the nose indicates that the explosive is loaded in the bomb case.  A white band forward of the suspension indicates that the bomb case is made of high-grade steel.  A yellow band forward of the white band denotes a high-explosive filling.  Recently this system has been modified tot he extent that the white band has been omitted.  Forward of the yellow band is stenciled the type number, weight, filling, and additional description.  Aft of the suspension lug is stenciled the place and the date of manufacture and a "+" or "-" indicating a minor weight discrepancy.

 

Incendiary bombs with a solid filling are painted black overall with a white band forward of the suspension lug.  A symbol for incendiary bombs "ヤ" is stenciled on the bomb.

 

All liquid-filled bombs are painted grey overall.  A red nose tip indicates that the high-explosive burster tube is loaded and a blue band aft of the nose tip indicates that the liquid filling is present.  Liquid-filled incendiary bombs are marked by a single white band just forward of the suspension lug and by the symbol "ヤ".

 

Liquid-filled smoke bombs are grey overall, have a red nose and no body band.  They are marked by the symbol for smoke "ケ".  Gas bombs are painted grey overall and have a red nose band.  It is supposed that color bands around the body indicate the type of gas filling.  This system is utilized in marking Army gas projectiles:

 

Red Band ---- Vomit Gas

Blue Band ---- Lung Irritant

Green Band ---- Tear Gas

Yellow Band ---- Vesicant

Brown Band ---- Blood and Nerve poison

  

  

6. Sizes: Although documents refer to 1,000kg bombs none larger than 500kg have been recovered at the time of this manual's writing

  

  

7. Fuzing: All Army bombs of 30kg and above may be fuzed in both the nose and tail.  Bombs of 250 and 500kg generally user larger weight. (Not quite sure what the book means by this)

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

Imperial Japanese Navy Bombs

 

 

 

1. Designation: Japanese Navy bombs are divided into classes: land bombs, ordinary bombs, special bombs, smoke bombs, practice bombs, target-marker bombs, training bombs, and dummy bombs.

 

"Land" bombs are bombs specially designed for use against land targets.  They are usually of rough construction.

 

"Ordinary" bombs are designed for use against ships.  They include both G.P (General Purpose) and S.A.P. (Semi Armour-Piercing) types.  They are of smoother construction than land bombs.

 

Special bombs are designed for various special purposes and each special class is indicated by a mark number. (See chart below)

 

According to a captured document, a new system of designating Navy bombs has been proposed.  The existing bombs are not to be redesignated but new bombs will be assigned mark numbers as follows:

 

Marks 1 through 9: Anti-shipping bombs

Marks 10 through 19: Chemically-equipped bombs

Marks 20 through 29: Anti-aircraft bombs

Marks 30 through 39: Anti-land bombs

 

As the name indicates, practice bombs are used for practice bombing.  Target-marker bombs are used as target marking beacons.  Dummy bombs are used for training and practice bombing.  Training bombs are used for training in handling bombs.

 

Smoke bombs are used for concealment purposes.

  

Individual bombs in these main general classes are given further designations:

 

a. The type number discloses the year that the bomb was adopted for service use.  In the "land" and "Ordinary" bomb classes, the first bomb of a given weight class is not assigned a type number but is merely indicated by the weight number.  Subsequent designs of the same weight are assigned type numbers.  Thus there is a No.6 land use bomb and a Type 97 No.6 land use bomb.

 

b. The number indicates the weight of the bomb in units of tens of kilograms.  Thus a No.6 bomb weighs 60kg, a No.25 bomb weighs 250kg, etc.  This designation is as much an indication of size as it is of weight, No.6 indicating a bomb of the 60kg size, and approximate weight.

 

c. A description of the bomb is indicated by the characters for land use, ordinary, etc.  If it is a special bomb, the mark number is given.

 

d. Model: This term has several meanings bu in this instance is used to distinguish different designs of bombs in the same general class.

 

e. Modification: This term represents a minor change in design or a change in filling.

 

 

2. Construction: There are two main patterns of construction of Navy bombs, typified by the "land" bombs and the "ordinary" bombs.

 

a. Land bombs: Land bombs are of three-piece construction.  The nose is attached to the cylindrical body either by welding and riveting or by welding alone.  The tail cone, which is filled with explosive, is attached to the body by means of a collar or coupling ring.  Either the body or tail cone is attached to the collar by welds and/or rivets and the final junction is made by attaching the other part to the collar by screws.

 

b. Ordinary bombs: Ordinary bombs are of two-piece construction.  The nose and body are manufactured of one piece, and are machined both inside and out.  If the tail cone is filed it is threaded into the body or, in the case of larger bombs, an interrupted screw arrangement is used to attach it to the body.  If the tail cone is the body and the cone is attached to the base plate by threads or screws.

 

The construction of special bombs and other general classes varies greatly and is covered in the description of each individual bomb.

 

 

3. Suspension: Bombs up to and including 250kg are suspended by a single U-shaped fixed lug.  Two lugs 180 degrees apart may be fitted to the bomb.  Larger bombs may be suspended from a torpedo-release gear by two flat guide studs located 180 degrees apart or by a suspension band fitted with the standard lug.

 

 

4. Fillings: Navy bombs are generally filled by casting the explosive directly into the case.  The cavity is protected by a thick coat of lacquer.  In some instances the explosive may be preformed into paper-wrapped sections which are usually additionally protected by a wax or a flannel coating.

 

 

5. Color and Markings: During the war the Japanese Navy has modified the color system used to differentiate its bombs.  Under both the new and old systems, the basic body color is grey: this color varies from greenish-grey to bluish-grey depending on variations in the paint and weathering conditions.  This grey paint is applied over a red anti-corrosive paint.

 

The old color pattern consisted of painting key colors as a broad band on the nose and tail struts.  Usually these colors were the same.  A band slightly aft of the suspension lug was an additional key.  Thin red stripes 180 degrees apart running from nose to apex of tail cone appeared on all service bombs.

In the new scheme all bombs containing explosive have the nose tipped in green.  Key color bands appear aft of the green tip and an additional key color band may appear on the tail strut.  The red stripes have been dropped.  Colored body bands are used in some instances to indicate different modifications. (See chart below)

 

 

6. Size: The largest bombs recovered are 1,500kg bombs.

 

 

7. Fuzing: As a rule, Navy bombs of 250kg and larger in weight are fitted with fuze pockets in both nose and tail.  The No.6 and No.3 sizes of land use and ordinary bombs have nose pockets only.

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

Next Time: Navy land and ordinary bombs