American Projectiles and Explosives - 40mm Projectiles

American Projectiles and Explosives

40mm Projectiles

40mm A.A. H.E.I. (a) Mk 1 Mods 1-24 and (b) Mk 2 Mods 1-35

Overall length w/ nose fuze: 7.1 inches
Overall length w/o nose fuze: 5.2 inches
Diameter of base: 1.3 inches
Distance base to band: (a) 1.675 inches; (b) 1.73 inches
Width of band: 0.6 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 1.57 inches

Filling:
-H.E.: Cast TNT
-H.E.I.: Cast TNT and Incendiary

Weight of filling:
-(a) 0.148 pounds
-(b) 0.15 pounds

Weight of loaded projectile: 1.985 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: 5%

Cartridge case: Mk 1, 2, 3

Primer: M21 Mods 2 and 3; Mk 22 Mods 0 and 1

Tracer: Mk 10, Mk 11

Fuzes:
-Nose: Mk 27 Mods 0 and 1


The Mk 1 and the Mk 2 projectiles are both loaded H.E. in three increments.  The Mk 2 may also be loaded H.E.I. with the central increment as incendiary composition.  The Mk 2 H.E.I. round may be plugged instead of tracered.  Both projectile bodies may be issued B.L. & P. or B.L. & T. for target practice or de-icing.

Tracer Mk 10 has been declared unserviceable and is being replaced by the Tracer Mk 11 in all assemblies.

The 24 Mods of Mk 1 and the 35 Mods of Mk 2 are merely bookkeeping designations.

40mm Mk 3

Except for some minor differences in dimensions, the main difference between the Mk 3 projectile and the Mks 1 and 2 is that there is no hole in the base of the Mk 3 for a tracer or plug.  This design was developed when the tactical need for non-trace ammunition arose; but with the appearance of "Dark" tracers, the Mk 3 projectile's original purpose was eliminated.





 40mm A.A. M81A1 A.P. and A.P.T.

Overall length : 6.19 inches
Diameter of base: 1.55 inches
Distance base to band: 0.803 inches
Width of band: 0.64 inches
Diameter at bourrelet: 1.55 inches

Filling: N/A
Weight of loaded projectile: 1.96 pounds
Charge/Weight ratio: N/A

Cartridge case: Mk 1, 2, or 3
Primer: Mk 21, Mk 22
Tracer: Integral

Fuzes: None


This projectile is an Army design manufactured for the Navy to Naval specifications.

The A.P. round has a plug in the tracer cavity; the A.P.T. has a red tracer.

Next Time: 1.1-inch, 7.2-inch, and "Pounder" 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

Italian Explosive Ordnance - 37mm to 47mm Projectiles

Italian Explosive Ordnance

  

37/40mm H.E.

Guns used in: 37/40mm Gun
Fuzing: Nose fuze for 37/40 Shell

Overall length of round: 72mm
Diameter at base: 36.4mm (approx.)
Distance base to band: 18mm
Width of band: 22mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 36.5mm

Type of filling: Ballistite
Weight of filling: 41.5 grams
Weight of loaded projectile: 677 grams
Total length of projectile: 328mm
Weight of propellant: 112 grams
Weight of complete round: 2 lb, 13.5 oz

Remarks: The projectile is closed by a heavy steel pointed nose fitted internally with the fuze.






37/40mm HE/AP

Guns used in: 37/40mm Gun
Fuzing: None

Overall length of round: 138mm
Diameter at base: 30mm
Distance base to band: 18mm
Width of band: 20mm
Diameter at bourrelet: 36.4mm

Type of filling: Ballistite
Weight of filling: 23 grams
Weight of loaded projectile: 698 grams
Total length of projectile: 322mm
Weight of propellant: 112 grams
Weight of complete round: 2 lb, 14.5 oz

Remarks: The base of the projectile is closed by a screwed plug, and there is no fuze.  It is possible that the filling is intended to ignite by heating effects resulting from shock of impact.

  

37/45mm AP

Guns used in: 37/45mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: None

Overall length of round: Unknown
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Weight of loaded projectile: 0.7 kg
Total length of projectile: 337mm (Manual states "kg")
Weight of complete round: 1.43 kg
Length of cartridge case: 202mm
Weight of propellant: 0.188 kg

Remarks: The projectile contains no explosive, but has a tracer.





37/54mm AA

Guns used in: 37/54mm Anti-Aircraft Gun
Fuzing: Nose fuze for 37/54 Shell

Overall length of round: Unknown
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.024 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 0.8 kg

Remarks: This projectile is a fixed round, packed in a tray for use in the gun.  Weight of complete round is 1.59kg, and overall length is 14.5 inches.  The propellant charge weighs 0.2kg composed of powder grains 0.65mm x 7mm x 185mm.  The projectile is grey-green, with a red band below the nose fuze.  A tracer is fitted into the base of the projectile.






40/39mm AA

Guns used in: 40/39mm Anti-Aircraft Gun
Fuzing: Nose fuze for 40/39 Shell

Overall length of round: Unknown
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.055 kg

Remarks: This projectile is a fixed round, packed in a tray for use in the gun.  The complete round is 1.45kg, and is 291 mm long.  The propellant charge weighs 0.104kg, composed of powder 2.3mm x 0.8mm x 98mm.  The projectile is grey-green, with a red band below the nose fuze.  A tracer is fitted into the base of the projectile.

47/32mm HE M35

Guns used in: 47/32mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: Percussion nose fuze M39

Overall length (w/ fuze): 10.1 inches
Overall length (w/o fuze): 9.2 inches
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.15 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 2.37 kg

Remarks: This projectile is a fixed round.  The complete round weighs 2.37kg.  The propellant charge weighs 0.052kg, composed of Italian type F.C. 4 Powder.

The shell is machined from a rolled bar steel and has a parallel-walled cavity the same diameter as the fuze hole.  The exterior of the shell is thinly coated with zinc before coloring.  There is no base plate.  The upper rotating band is more than one third of the length from the base.

47/32mm AP M35 (With Cap)

Guns used in: 47/32mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: Base fuze MO9

Overall length with tracer: 206mm
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: 50mm
Width of band: 8mm
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.03 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 1.5 kg
Total length of round: 355.6mm (Manual forgets to state measurement)
Weight of complete round: 2.9kg

Remarks: A tracer element is fixed to the base of the projectile.

47/32mm AP M35 (Without Cap)

Guns used in: 47/32mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: Base fuze MO9

Overall length with tracer: 155mm
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: 50mm
Width of band: 8mm
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.03 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 1.5 kg
Total length of round: 299.7mm (Manual forgets to state measurement)
Weight of complete round: 2.9kg

Remarks: A tracer element is fixed to the base of the projectile.

47/32mm AP M39

Guns used in: 47/32mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: Percussion nose fuze M39

Overall length: Unknown
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: TNT
Weight of filling: 0.03 kg
Weight of loaded projectile: 1.42 kg

Remarks: The complete round weighs 2.035kg and contains 0.179kg propellant powder F.C. 3. A tracer element is fitted into the projectile.

Another version of the M39 has no explosive filling or fuze but contains a tracer element.  The round is very similar to the 47/32mm A.P. M35.

47/32mm E.P. (Hollow Charge)

Guns used in: 47/32mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: Base Fuze E.P. M41

Overall length: 251.5mm
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: Tritolite (50% TNT and 50% Cyclonite)
Weight of filling: Unknown
Weight of loaded projectile: 1.23 kg

Remarks: This projectile is used in a fixed round.  The propellant charge used is smaller than the other 47/32mm shells, since a larger portion of the projectile is located in the case.

47/32mm E.P.S. (Hollow Charge)

Guns used in: 47/32mm Anti-Tank Gun
Fuzing: Nose Fuze  I.E.P.M.

Overall length: 251.5mm
Diameter at base: Unknown
Distance base to band: Unknown
Width of band: Unknown
Diameter at bourrelet: Unknown

Type of filling: Unknown
Weight of filling: Unknown
Weight of loaded projectile: Unknown
Length of cartridge case: 192mm

Next Time: Italian 57mm to 70mm Projectiles

Imperial Japanese Explosives - Land Mines and Grenades (Part 6)

Imperial Japanese Explosives

  

  

Explosive Food Cans
 

Length: 4 and 1/2 inches
Diameter: 3 and 3/8 inches
Explosive: RDX (78.3%); Mineral Oil (21.7%)
Weight of explosive: 1.37 pounds
   

Description: Three types of explosive food cans have been recovered, whose main difference lies in the spurious food labels which conceal the true nature of the can. 

The "tin of strawberries" is typical and consists of a standard No.2 can filled with high explosive.  The tin bears a cleverly counterfeited "Libby's Strawberries" label, which covers and conceals the threaded igniter pocket in the side of the can.  This label gives the weight of the can as 1 pound 4 ounces.  The interior of the can is lined with thick brown paper.  Two rectangular metal containers filled with heavy mineral oil are placed in the main filling on either side of the igniter pocket.

Two smaller 14-ounce cans labeled "Libby's Long Slices Fancy Pineapple" and "Del Monte Mixed Salad Vegetables," which are similar to the "Strawberry" can in all respects except size and label, have been recovered.

All the types of charges can be used either as sabotage devices or booby traps depending on the type of initiating system used.  One common initiator has a scratch type igniter, a safety fuse delay (about 1 minute), and a detonator.  Another consists of a brass sleeve containing a scratch type igniter, an integral short delay train, and a detonator.  The third type of igniter consists of a brass sleeve containing a friction pull igniter, and a detonator.  This last igniter has no delay and can be used only if the charge is placed as a booby trap.

Operation: The label of the can is removed or perforated to expose the igniter pocket into which the igniter is threaded.  The activation of the igniter sets off the delay, if present, which fires the detonator and the main charge.

  

Metal Incendiary Cylinders

Length: 6 and 3/4 inches
Diameter: 2 and 3/4 inches
Incendiary Mixture: Thermite
  

Description: These cylinders are constructed of a light unidentified metal.  They are filled with thermite and have an igniter located in the center of the top section.

Four types of cylinders have been recovered which differ as to type of casings and igniters.  One casing is a plain cylinder, while the other type has vents around the top to allow more rapid escape of the thermite.  Both casings can be fitted with either a friction pull igniter or a scratch type igniter.

Both igniters are of conventional design and both employ a delay element and a 5-gram first fire charge of antimony sulphide, aluminum, and potassium chlorate.  A circular piece of wood with rough sides is provided as a scratch block for the scratch type igniter.  The block is wrapped in waxed paper and taped to the top of the cylinders in which it is used.

Operation: Place the charge and initiate the igniter.  After the delay time has expired, the first fire charge and then the main incendiary charge are ignited in turn.

Incendiary Brick

Size: Same as standard building brick

Incendiary Mixture: Potassium chlorate, sulphur, ground coal, or sugar, iron fillings, and wax
  

Description: This device is a skillful imitation of a standard, glazed building brick to which it is comparable in size, weight, and appearance.  The brick is wax coated with paint to give it a realistic finish and so allow it to be carried about without detection.  There is no pocket for insertion of an igniter.

Operation: The incendiary brick is ignited in various ways, all of which are alike in principle.  One method is to pour sulphuric acid and glycerine into a thin rubber tube which is weakened at one point to allow the acid to burn through quickly.  When the acid burns through the tube, it drips onto a small amount of potassium permangenate which ignites the brick.

Incendiary Soap
  

Length: 4.17 inches
Width: 2.67 inches
Thickness: 1.45 inches
Weight: 14 ounces

Incendiary mixture:
-Barium Nitrate: 30.4%
-Paraffin: 19.4%
-Magnesium: 11.3%
-Aluminum: 11.1%
-Rosin: 10.9%
-Ferrosoferric Oxide: 9.1%
-Nitrocellulose: 4.4%
-Gritty Siliceous Material: 2.6%

Description: This incendiary bar is specifically designed to resemble a bar of "Ivory" soap.  The word "Ivory" is stamped on one side and "Proctor and Gamble" on the other.  The bar burns with an intense flame, but is easily extinguished by water.  It is difficult to ignite.

No method of ignition has been found, but it is probable that some type of ignition device is inserted into the recess in the side of the bar.

40mm Hollow-Charge Rifle Grenade

Overall length: 7.98 inches
Maximum diameter: 1.58 inches

Color: Black and grey

Total weight: 12.45 ounces
Filling: 50/50 RDX and TNT
Weight of filling: 3.81 ounces
  

Description:  This grenade is a copy of the German Gross Gewehr Panzergranate and is fired from a cup launcher attached to the standard 6.5mm rifle.

The body is cylindrical with a semiconical shaped head.  It is made in two parts threaded together and fitted with a ballistic cap and cone to give the hollow-charge effect.  The forward part contains the explosive charge cast around the cone.  The after part which is made of aluminum has a rifled collar near the base and contains the fuze and explosive train.
  
The fuze is held in by a base plate with a protruding spigot which is screwed into the base of the grenade.  The fuze is held in position by the spigot.  The needle firing pin is secured in a housing that has a four stirrup-like springs protruding from the side.  Around the housing is a setback spring held in by an arming sleeve which has two sets of grooves notched on the inner side. 

Holding the firing pin stationary is a coil clock spring which is held in by the arming sleeve.  There is also a creep spring between the firing pin and detonator.   The propelling charge consists of a special cartridge with a wooden bullet.
  

Operation: On firing, setback causes the arming sleeve to move down and it is held down by the stirrup springs which engage in the groove in the arming sleeve.  Centrifugal force then causes the clock spring to expand and the fuze is armed.  On impact the firing pin housing overcomes the creep spring and moves onto the flash cap setting off the detonator and booster.

30mm Hollow-Charge Rifle Grenade
  

Overall Length: 8 inches
Maximum Diameter: 1 and 5/8 inches

Color: Black and grey

Total Weight: 8.25 ounces
Filling: 50/50 RDX and TNT
Weight of Filling: 1.75 ounces

Description: The explosive head of the 30mm is of the same type construction as that of the 40mm, but on a smaller scale.  The spigots of the 30 and 40mm grenades are identical with the exception of the threads on their forward ends.  Both grenades use the same fuze.

Operation: The operation of the 30mm hollow-charge rifle grenade is identical to that of the 40mm size.





Model 3 Modification 1 Rifle Grenade
  

Overall Length: 8 inches
Maximum Diameter: 1 and 5/8 inches
Thickness of body wall: 1/8 inch
Length of body: 2 and 13/16 inches
Length of tail: 4 and 5/16 inches
Length of fuze: 1 and 3/16 inches

Color: Black

Filling (main charge): TNT
Weight of Filling: 3 ounces

Description:  This grenade is similar to the Type 99 Kiska grenade with a tail assembly added.  It is designed t be fired from the spigot type rifle grenade launcher.  The body and tail are painted black.

The grenade body is a smooth-surfaced, cylindrical cast steel tube.  It is threaded internally at the forward end to receive the cover plate.  There is a bored opening in the base of the grenade body.  A cylindrical solid steel plug, threaded on its after end to receive the tail assembly, is pressed into this hole.

The tail assembly consists of a stabilizer tube to which four fins are welded.  The tube is constructed of rolled sheet steel with a smooth weld down the joining seam.  Threads are pressed into the forward end to correspond with those on the base plug.  The four fins are of light metal.  The outer end of each fin is doubled back to provide a smooth exposed surface.  The inner edge is bent 90 degrees and provides a surface for spot welding the fin to the tube.  The fins are positioned at 90 degree intervals around the circumference of the tube.

The fuze body differs from the Type 91 and Type 97 hand grenade fuzes only in having an aluminum striker block into which is screwed a steel striker.  A brass shear wire through the block holds the striker away from the percussion cap.

The explosive train of the grenade consists of a percussion cap, black powder relay, cyclonite primer, tetryl booster and a main charge of cast TNT.  The cyclonite is enclosed in a brass container, the tetryl in a cardboard cylinder.  Directly under the tetryl booster there is a setback buffer consisting of a felt washer and a jelly-like pellet.


Operation: Prior to firing the grenade from the rifle the safety fork is withdrawn.  The fuze is fully armed.  On impact the brass wire through the striker block is sheared and the steel striker is driven into the percussion cap.  The resultant flash ignites the black powder relay.

The fuze is instantaneous and cannot be substituted as a fuze for hand grenades.

Remarks: A translation of the labels attached to the stabilizer tube gives the following information: "This grenade can be used on rifles Type 38 and Type 99.  The wooden bullet for Type 38 and Type 99 is to be used."  These two rifles are the standard combat weapons for Japanese troops.

A translation of the tag attached to the safety fork gives the following precautionary measures: "Do not remove fork until ready to fire." and "Do not drop or otherwise strike on the nose."



Smoke Rifle Grenade

Overall Length: 8 and 1/2 inches
Maximum Diameter:
-Body: 2 inches
-Fins: 2 and 9/16 inches

Color: Silver

Total weight: 1.29 pounds
Filling:
-Hexachlorethane: 56.2%
-Zinc: 27.6%
-Zinc chloride: 2.9%
-Zinc oxide: 13.4%

(The above numbers total 100.1%.  I don't know why.)

Description:  This grenade is used with a special adapter which fits over the end of the rifle barrel.  It is painted silver and thoroughly waterproofed with coats of heavy lacquer and paraffin.

The nose is of No.23 gage B. and X. tin plate with rolled threads to fit those on the body of the grenade.  Soft iron wire is wrapped in the thread groove and soldered in place, presumably to aid in sealing the joint.  The body proper is rolled from No.23 gage B. and X. tin plate and is soldered along one longitudinal seam.  Rolled threads are provided at each end to fit the threads on the nose and base.

The base is stamped from No.18 gage B. and S. sheet steel and is screwed onto the body by means of rolled thread.  Soft iron wire is wrapped and soldered into these thread grooves.  The base is partially filled with plastic which has a threaded hole half filled with solder.  The bottom plate is held in place by a small screw imbedded in the solder.  The igniter pellet is encased in a thin walled brass container which is supported by tin plate screwed and soldered onto the body.

The four smoke ports are placed at 90 degree intervals around the base and are covered with light sheet metal discs which are held in place by waterproof cement covered with paraffin.  There are three flash ports, spaced at 120 degree intervals, in the bottom of the base.

The grenade tube is made of No.18 gage B. and S. seamless steel tubing and the upper end is threaded to fit the small end of the base.  The threaded joint is wrapped with adhesive tape.  The tube is sealed with a paraffin impregnated cardboard disc attached to 9 inches of heavy twine.  The four fins are soldered to, and are equally spaced around, the tube and are of No.24 B. and X. tin plate.

The motive force and primary ignition are furnished by a standard .256 caliber Japanese rifle cartridge loaded with 1.927 grams of powder and fitted with a wood pellet.  This cartridge is wrapped in paper and stored in the grenade tube.

Operation: The rifle cartridge is removed from the grenade tube and inserted into the rifle.  The grenade is placed over the spigot adapter.  When the rifle is fired, the gases from the cartridge propel the grenade and also pass through the flash ports to initiate the igniter pellet which in turn ignites the smoke mixture.  Smoke is then emitted through the emission holes.








Small Incendiary Rifle Grenade

Overall Length: 10 inches
Maximum Diameter: 1 and 7/8 inches

Color: Grey with purple body band

Total weight: 1.01 pounds
Filling: White Phosphorus
Weight of Filling: 42 ounces (Manual states 42 pounds!)
Delay: 4-5 seconds

Description:  This grenade is designed to be launched from a spigot type rifle grenade launcher on the Type 38 or Type 99 Japanese rifle, using a cartridge having a wooden bullet.

The grenade is of light, seamless, steel construction and has an incendiary filling of white phosphorus.  The nose piece is threaded at its forward end to receive the fuze.  A thin, metal well extends into the filler and is soldered around the fuze pocket to give an air tight seal.  This well contains the detonator and auxiliary detonator of the fuze, which serves as the bursting charge for the grenade.

The barrel of the grenade is threaded at its forward end to take the nose piece, and at its after end to receive the hemispherical end plate internally and the base piece externally.  The end plate has a small hole in its center.  The base piece is threaded at one end to screw onto the barrel and at the other end to screw into the stabilizer tube.  A bakelite cushion is cast into the base piece to fit the hemispherical end plate.

The stabilizer consists of a cylindrical tube which threads onto the base piece.  Four fins are welded to the after section of this tube at 90 degree intervals.  The rolled threads, joining the barrel and base piece and base piece and stabilizer, are reinforced by wrapping and soldering soft iron wire into the thread grooves.

The fuze used in this grenade is the same as that used in the Type 97 hand grenade.

Operation:  After the grenade has been placed over the spigot adapter of a rifle loaded with a cartridge having a wooden bullet, the safety pin is removed from the grenade.  When the rifle is fired, the gases from the cartridge propel the grenade, and the force of setback initiates the grenade fuze.  After a short delay, the fuze detonates, rupturing the case of the grenade.

Next Time: Italian and French Explosives

Imperial Japanese Navy Ammunition - 30mm Projectiles

 

 

 

Imperial Japanese Navy Ammunition

 

 

 

 

30mm Ammunition

 

 

 

 

Two 30mm aircraft cannon, the Type 2 and the Type 5, were in use by the Japanese.  These guns are of Oerlikon design and use similar ammunition.  The Type 5 gun uses a longer case and a slightly heavier projectile than the Type 2.

 

 

Case:  The case for the Type 2 gun is of typical Oerlikon design.  It is a comparatively short brass reduced-rim case slightly necked.

 

The case for the Type 5 gun is longer, has a more pronounced neck, and is of the rimless type.

 

 

Length of Case 

Type 2: 3.58 inches

Type 5: 4.81 inches

 

 

Projectiles:  Like the 20mm ammunition, the type of projectile is indicated by painting the projectile body a solid color.  However, some of the Type 5 projectiles were unpainted except for a narrow band behind the nose fuze.

 

The following dimensions are common to all projectiles:

Type 2 ----- Type 5

Diameter at bourrelet: 1.18 in ----- 1.18                                         

Width of rotating band: 0.24 in ----- 0.31 in                                       

 

 

  

30mm Type 5 High-Explosive Projectile

 

 

Fuzing: Rotor type fuze

 

Lenght of projectile (without fuze): 3.53 inches

Lenght of complete round: 8.31 inches

 

Filling: Pentolite

 

Color and Markings:  Maroon overall

 

Remarks: The pentolite is in a precast block surrounded by cardboard.

 

 

 

30mm Type 2 and Type 5 High-Explosive Incendiary Projectiles

 

 

Fuzing: Rotor type fuze

 

Length of projectile (without fuze):

-Type 2: 2.83 inches

-Type 5: 3.53 inches

 

Length of assembled round (fuzed):

-Type 2: 6.57 inches

-Type 5: 8.31 inches

 

Filling: Pentolite and White Phosphorus

 

Weight of filling (Type 2):

-Pentolite: 3.56 grams

-White Phosphorus: 19.94 grams

 

Color and Markings: Greenish-Yellow overall.

The Type 5 projectile is sometimes unpainted except for a greenish-yellow band at the nose.

 

Remarks:  The one-piece projectile contains only one cavity.  The H.E. is surrounded by a cardboard below which is contained the W.P. in a metal canister.

 

 

 
 

Type 5 30mm High-Explosive Tracer Projectile

 

 

Fuzing: Rotor type fuze

 

Length of projkectile (without fuze): 3.53 inches

Length of complete round: 8.31 inches

 

Filling: Pentolite

 

Color and Markings:  Red overall, or a red band at the nose.

 

Remarks:  The body of the projectile contains two cavities separated by a steel septum.  The upper cavity contains the H.E. filling, while the lower contains the tracer.

 

 

 
 

Type 5 30mm Tracer Projectile

 

 

Fuzing: Nose Plug

 

Length of projectile (without fuze): 3.53 inches

Length of complete round: 8.31 inches

 

Filling: None

 

Color and Markings: Red overall, or a red band at the nose

 

 

 

 
 

Type 2 and Type 5 30mm Practice Projectile

 

 

Fuzing: Dummy fuze

 

Length of projectile (without fuze):

-Type 2: 2.83 inches

-Type 5: 3.53 inches

 

Length of assembled round (fuzed):

-Type 2: 6.57 inches

-Type 5: 8.28 inches

 

Filling: Blind loaded

 

Color and Markings:

-Type 2: Black overall with a red dummy fuze

-Type 5: Not painted

 

Remarks:  The projectile body and case are the same in appearance as the H.E.I. round.  This is used as the first round in the magazine, to clear the gun bore.

 

 

40mm Armor-Piercing Projectile

Weight of complete round (without fuze): 1.17kg
Weight of projectile, filled (without fuze): 0.78kg
Weight of filling: 0.023kg
Filling: Cast TNT

Diameter at bourrelet: 1.57 inches
Length of projectile (without fuze): 5.24 inches
Length of assembled round: 10.33 inches
Length of propellant case: 6.18 inches
Propellant: Cylindrical lengths of smokeless powder, 95.9g
Width of rotating band: 0.63 inch
Diameter of base of propellant case: 1.89 inches

 Fuzing: Small A/P base fuze

Color and Markings: White with a green tip

Remarks: This round indicates use of the 40mm Vickers-Armstrong as a dual-purpose gun.

 


40mm High-Explosive Anti-Aircraft Projectile

Weight of complete round (without fuze): 1.18kg
Weight of projectile, filled (without fuze): 0.79kg
Weight of filling: 0.07kg
Filling: Cast TNT

Diameter at bourrelet: 1.57 inches
Length of projectile (without fuze): 5.01 inches
Length of assembled round: 10.4 inches
Length of propellant case: 6.18 inches
Propellant: Cylindrical lengths of smokeless powder, 95.9g
Width of rotating band: 0.63 inch
Diameter of base of propellant case: 1.89 inches

Fuzing: A.A. powder time fuze

Color and Markings: Maroon with 12mm green band around ogive

Remarks: This round was evidently designed only for anti-aircraft work, having no impact or tracer element.  It is used in the Navy's Vickers-Armstrong guns, which are belt-fed with automatic fuze cutters attached.




40mm Tracer Projectile

Weight of complete round (with nose cap): 1.28kg
Weight of projectile, filled (with tracer and nose cap): 0.9kg
Weight of filling: 0.07kg
Filling: None

Diameter at bourrelet: 1.57 inches
Length of projectile (with nose cap): 6.61 inches
Length of assembled round (with nose cap): 11.3 inches
Length of propellant case: 6.18 inches
Propellant: Cylindrical lengths of smokeless powder, 95.9g
Width of rotating band: 0.63 inch
Diameter of base of propellant case: 1.89 inches

Fuzing: None

Color and Markings: Orange overall

Remarks: This round is similar in shape to the A.A. type.  The nose, of solid construction with two large wrench flats, screws into the projectile body just before the bourrelet with right-hand threads.  The inside is lacquered.  The tracer element is screwed into the base with left-hand threads.  It is used in the Vickers-Armstrong guns.





5cm (47mm) Complete Round and Common Projectile

 
Assembled round:
-Weight of complete round: 3.2 lbs
-Length of complete round: 9.25 inches

Projectile:
-Weight of filled projectile (with fuze): 2.4 lbs
-Weight of projectile (empty): 2.1 lbs

Dimensions:
-Length of projectile (without fuze): 5.31 inches
-Diameter at bourrelet: 1.84 inches
-Distance from base to rotating band: 1.25 inches
Width of rotating band: 1.69 inches

Filling: Loose granular black powder (50 grams)

Fuzing: Hotchkiss patent fuze screwed (R.H.) into base; a simple setback arming base fuze presumably of British manufacture.  The base of the fuze is stamped "Hotchkiss Patent DOC"
Weight of fuze: 2 oz

Case:
-Length: 5.19 inches
-Diameter at base: 2.38 inches
-Material: Brass (recovered); Steel (documentary)
-Weight (empty): No Data

The case is crimped into a groove in the base of the projectile by several short crimps.

Propellant: 5 C2 (Type 2 Year propellant) weighing 2.4 oz unperforated cylindrical sticks, approximately 0.5mm by 25.4mm, amber-coloured double-base powder.

The propellant sticks are enclosed in a compartmented bag of heavy brownish silk.

Primer: Small flush type (designation unknown)

Used in: Short 5cm gun
 
This gun, mounted on wooden-spoked wheels as a field piece, corresponds to old U.S. "landing guns" and is probably a copy of an obsolete British gun.  The breech block is the vertical sliding type.



 

Next Time: 80mm Projectiles

Imperial Japanese Army Ammunition - 40mm, 47mm, and 57mm Projectiles

Japanese Explosive Ordnance: Army and Navy Ammunition

 

We're starting to finish up on the remaining aircraft and tank projectiles.

40mm Ho-301 High Explosive Projectile

Dimensions
Length of projectile (Fuzed): 129mm
Length of projectile (w/o fuze): 108mm
Distance base to rotating band (lower edge): 15mm
Width of rotating band: 8mm
Diameter of rotating band: 41mm
Diameter of body: 39mm
Diameter of bourrelet: 39.5mm
Width of bourrelet: 6mm
Distance base to bourrelet (lower edge): 91mm
Wall thickness (propellant chamber): 5mm
Wall thickness (H.E. chamber): 4mm

Weights
Complete round (Fuzed): 1lb 4.7oz
H.E. charge: 2oz
Propellant: 0.4oz
Primer: 0.1oz
Fuze (with gaine): 2.1oz
Gaine: 0.2oz

Primer Dimensions
Length: 9mm
Diameter (Thread): 12mm
T.P.I. (Thread Per Inch): 34 L.H. (Left-Handed)

Used in: Ho-301 40mm aircraft cannon. This is an unusual weapon similar in design to an Oerlikon blow-back operated cannon, but with the head of the bolt machined as a piston which closes the breech at the forward end of its stroke.

Filling: The filling consists of TNT with a forward pellet of picric acid or TNT.

Propellant:
The propellant consists of small, greenish-gray, square flakes of smokeless powder (approx. 1mm square) enclosed in a silk bag which is inserted in the after cavity of the projectile. A sealing cup of thin aluminium fits around the after end of the propellant bag and the charge and cup are held in by a perforated base plate which screws (LH) into the base of the cavity. The base plate has an outer ring of twelve 3/16-inch holes and a central hole threaded (LH) to receive the small flush primer. The aluminium sealing cup is perforated by a single hole in the center to permit the flash from the primer to reach the propellant. The force of the propellant gases blows through the aluminium cup to open the main series of holes.

Fuze:
This is a simple direct-acting nose fuze with a central axial striker held in the unarmed condition by a slotted safety block which in turn is held by two spring-loaded detents.

Remarks:
There is also a practice projectile which has the same dimensions and appearance as the H.E. projectile. It is painted black overall and has a nose plug instead of a fuze.


Type 1 47mm High Explosive Projectile

Weight of complete round: 2.44kg
Weight of projectile (without fuze): 1.15kg
Weight of filling: 0.087kg

Filling: Two preformed paper-wrapped blocks taped together and waxed. The forward block consists of two pellets of picric acid, a ring pellet around the gaine and a solid pellet beneath the gaine. The after block is one piece of cast TNT.

Diameter at bourrelet: 47mm
Length of projectile (without fuze): 140mm
Length of propellant case: 283mm
Length of assembled round (without fuze): 389mm
Diameter of base of case: 72mm

Fuzing: Type 88 instantaneous nose fuze (gun type), Type 88 short-delay nose fuze (gun type).

Used in: Type 1 Anti-tank gun, Type 1 Tank gun.

Weight of propellant: 0.398kg
Propellant: Single perforated cylindrical grains (7/16-inch long, 5/32-inch diameter) of a graphited double-base powder of the following composition:
-Nitrocellulose: 60%
-Nitroglycerine: 34.5%
-Ethyl centralite: 3%
-Diphenyl formamide: 2.5%



Type 1 47mm Armor Piercing Projectile

Weight of complete round: 2.75kg
Weight of projectile (Fuzed): 1.38kg
Weight of projectile (w/o Fuze): 1.27kg
Weight of filling: 0.018kg
Filling: 90% RDX, 10% Paraffin
Diameter at bourrelet: 47mm
Length of projectile (w/o fuze): 143mm
Length of propellant case: 283mm
Length of assembled round: 398mm
Diameter of base of case: 72mm
Width of rotating band: 12mm

Fuzing: Small Mk 2 base fuze (Short delay)

Used in: Type 1 Anti-tank gun, Type 1 Tank gun

Tracer: Yellow, 5 grams
Weight of propellant: .0398kg
Propellant: Single perforated cylindrical grains (7/16-inch long, 5/32-inch diameter) of a graphited double-base powder of the following composition
-Nitrocellulose: 60%
-Nitroglycerine: 34.5%
-Ethyl centralite: 3%
-Diphenyl formamide: 2.5%


Type 90 5.7cm (57mm) High Explosive Projectile

Weight of complete round: 2.91kg
Weight of projectile, filled (Fuzed): 2.36kg
Weight of filling: 0.25kg
Filling: TNT
Diameter at bourrelet: 57mm
Length of projectile (w/o fuze): 181mm
Lenght of propellant case: 121mm
Length of assembled round (without fuze and adapter): 280mm
Width of rotating band: 9.5mm

Fuzing: Type 88 short delay fuze

Propellant: Mk 1 square grain - 113g

Used in: Type 90 Tank gun, Type 97 Tank gun



Type 90 5.7cm (57mm) Substitute projectile

Weight of complete round: 3.04kg
Weight of projectile, filled: 2.23kg
Weight of filling: 0.07kg
Filling: Black Powder
Diameter at bourrelet: 57mm
Length of projectile (w/o Fuze): 183mm
Length of propellant case: 121mm
Length of assembled round (w/o Fuze): 272mm
Width of rotating band: 9.5mm

Fuzing: Type 88 short delay fuze

Propellant: Mk 1 square grain - 113g

Used in: Type 90 Tank gun, Type 97 Tank gun

Remarks:
This projectile is made of cast iron and has very thick walls.



Type 92 5.7cm (57mm) Armor Piercing Projectile

Weight of complete round: 3.13kg
Weight of projectile, filled and fuzed: 2.58kg
Weight of filling: 0.1kg
Filling: Two sections of explosive, individually wrapped in paper
-Upper section: pressed picric acid and wax
-Lower section: Cast TNT
Diameter at bourrelet: 57mm
Length of projectile (w/o fuze adapter): 181mm
Length of propellant case: 121mm
Length of assembled round: 280mm
Width of rotating band: 10mm

Fuzing: Type 92 small base fuze

Propellant: Mk 1 square grain - 113g

Used in: Type 90 Tank gun, Type 97 Tank gun



57mm Ho-401 High Explosive Projectile

Weight of complete round: 2.15kg
Weight of projectile, filled and fuzed: 2.58kg 1.47kg
Weight of filling: No Data
Filling: No Data
Diameter at bourrelet: 57mm
Length of projectile (w/o fuze): 163mm
Length of propellant case: 121mm
Length of assembled round: 270mm
Width of rotating band: 11m

Fuzing: No Data

Propellant: No Data

Used in: Ho-401 aircraft cannon

Note: I believe there is an error with this entry, in my book. The complete round weighs less than the projectile (filled and fuze) which is impossible. In pounds, it gives the round at 4.75 and the projectile at 3.25. Using a mass converter, 3.25lb is the equivalent of 1.47kg.


Next time: 70mm Projectiles, including Hollow Charge types!