American Projectiles and Explosives
Rifle Grenades (Listing)
Anti-Tank M9 and M9A1
Length: 11.24 inches
Diameter: 2.25 inches
Color: Olive drab
Weight: 1.23 pounds
TNT filling: 4 ounces
Description: Anti-Tank Grenade M9A1 consists of a body, a stabilizer assembly, and a fin. The body is cylindrical, the two pieces joined in the middle with rounded ends. The stabilizer is a hollow tube which screws into the base of the body and fits over the launcher; it also carries a shroud fin assembly which aids in stabilizing the flight of the grenade. The body is made of cast steel.
The impact fuze, which consists of a striker held away from a detonator by a creep spring and a safety pin, is assembled integrally with the stabilizer assembly. The safety pin projects through the fuze body and clamps around the stabilizer tube. When the pin is withdrawn, a drop of two feet, nose-first, to a hard surface will cause the fuze to function.
This grenade is designed primarily for use against tanks and other armoured or resistant targets. It must strike within 20 degrees or normal to be sure to function. However, the velocity of the grenade itself is not a critical factor, as it incorporates the hollow-charge principle. The danger radius to the rear of the explosion is 50 yards.
Operation: The grenade is fired from a rifle by means of a special launcher attachment. A special cartridge is used for propulsion. The grenade must be placed on the launcher before the safety pin is withdrawn. The safety pin is removed before firing. When the grenade is fired, set-back holds the striker away from the detonator. On impact, the striker overcomes the creep spring and hits the detonator.
Remarks: The M9 is an earlier model. It has the same tail assembly, but the head is acorn-shaped and is equipped with a point detonating fuze. It is slightly less sensitive than the M9A1. The safety pin of the M9 is located in the base of the grenade body instead of in the stabilizer tube. Its pull ring is secured to the body with adhesive tape.
Fragmentation M17
Length: 9.775 inches
Diameter: 2.25 inches
Color: Olive drab
Weight: 1.47 pounds
E.C. powder filling: 0.77 ounces
Description: This grenade consists of a fragmentation-type body similar to the Hand Grenade Mk IIA1 assembled to a fuze and stabilizer assembly similar to that for the anti-tank and practice rifle grenades. The stabilizer and fuze assembly threads into the grenade body.
The fuze is a simple impact type. The striker is held away from the detonator by a safety pin and a creep spring. The safety pin projects through the fuze body and clamps around the stabilizer tube. When the pin is withdrawn, a drop of two feet, nose-first, to a hard surface will cause the fuze to explode the grenade. Detonation will not occur upon impact with water, mud, or soft sand. This grenade is designed primarily for use against personnel.
Operation: The grenade must be placed on the launcher before the safety pin is withdrawn. The safety pin is removed before firing. When the grenade is fired, set-back holds the striker away from the detonator. On impact, the striker overcomes the creep spring and hits the detonator.
Remarks: The Fragmentation Grenade M17 is no longer in production; however, large quantities were issued.
Smoke M19, M19A1, M20, and T6E1
Length: 10.72 inches
Diameter: 2 inches
Color: Blue grey
Filling: Smoke mixture
Description: In outward appearance, this grenade is similar to the Anti-Tank Grenade M9A1, except that the body is in one piece and does not have the joining rib. The body is cylindrical, with rounded ends. The stabilizer is a hollow tube which screws into the base of the body and fits over the launcher.
The impact fuze of the Anti-Tank Grenade M9A1 has been modified so that a long detonator which extends into the body of the grenade acts as a burster when the fuze operates. The fuze is an impact type, with the striker held off the detonator pin by a safety pin and a creep spring. The safety pin projects through the fuze body and clamps around the stabilizer tube.
The explosion of the burster tube breaks the grenade and scatters burning white phosphorus over an area of 25 square yards. The burning phosphorous gives off a dense white smoke. The particles are of incendiary nature and make an excellent anti-personnel weapon.
Remarks: The M20 adn T6E1 are rifle smoke grenades with a filling that emits white smoke. The T6E1 is 1/4 inch longer than the M20. Both are identical in construction and operation to the M19A1. The M10 is filled with 10.8 ounces of H.C. smoke mixture and is used exclusively for screening purposes. The fuze functions on impact and ignites the smoke mixture. The smoke mixture burns for approximately one minute, giving off a dense white non-toxic smoke through the emission holes in the base of the grenade body.
Smoke M22
Length: 10.72 inches
Diameter: 2 inches
Color: Blue grey
Filling: Smoke mixture
Description: This grenade is similar to the Smoke Grenades M20 and T6E1. In outward appearance, it is similar to the Anti-Tank Grenade M9A1, except that it does not have the joining rib. The nose of the body has a small circular opening which is closed with a light metal cover. The stabilizer contains the Fuze M9A1 Type.
The body is filled through the nose. After filling, a tool is inserted longitudinally through this nose opening, and the filling is packed against the sides of the body, leaving a central channel. Then, this channel is coated with an igniting composition. The smoke-emission holes are through the base shoulder of the grenade body.
Four colors are issued: red, green, violent, and yellow.
The primary use of the grenade is for signaling.
Operation: The igniter ignites the igniting mixture, which initiates the burning of the smoke mixture. Smoke is emitted through the emission holes for one to one and one-half minutes.
Practice M11A2 and M11A3
Length: 11.18 inches
Diameter: 2.25 inches
Color: Black
Description: This grenade simulates the Anti-Tank Grenade M9A1. The grenade is so constructed that the fin and the ogive assemblies, which are most liable to damage in use, may be replaced and the grenade used repeatedly. It is for training in marksmanship.
Ground Signals
There are a number of smoke and flare pyrotechnic signals in containers launched from rifle-grenade launchers. They are used in signaling and for simulation of air bursts of artillery, etc.
Projection Adapters
M1A1
When the grenade is assembled to the adapter and the safety pin removed, the lever bends outward, on account of pressure from the striker. If the lever is struck on its outer surfaces, near the striker, while in this condition, it is possible that the lever may spring loose from the fuze and release the striker, allowing the fuze to function. Care should be exercised, once the safety pin is removed, to prevent the lever from being struck.
M2
Description: This adapter consists of a stabilizer and fin assembly and a metal set-back band. To the stabilizer are attached four short spring-steel clips. It is designed to project the following grenades: CN-DM-M6; CN-M7; H.C., AN-M8; AN-M14; M16; and M18.
The grenades are assembled to the adapter with the clips holding over the ridge at the base of the grenade. The set-back band contains a short spring and fits around the grenade, over the safety lever. It holds the safety lever in a safe position after removal of the fuze safety pin. When the grenade is fired, set-back causes the band to slide off the safety lever toward the base of the grenade. This permits the safety lever to spring outward and the striker to ignite the fuze. The fuze ignites the grenade in approximately one to one and a half seconds.
Next Time: Tree Suspension Device and Anti-Tank Mines (Part 1)
No comments:
Post a Comment