Why is a grenade shaped the way it is?
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Why is a grenade shaped the way it is?
The word grenade probably derived from the French word for pomegranate, because the bulbous shapes of early grenades resembled that fruit. They eventually became so important that specially selected soldiers in 17th-century European armies were trained as grenade throwers, or grenadiers (see grenadier).
How did a German stick grenade work?
The original M15 grenade suffered from a design issue. The pull cord which activated the grenade’s fuse protruded from the base and could get caught in debris or clutter on the battlefields of World War I, causing the fuse to be ignited, and the grenade to explode on the belt of an unaware infantryman.
Why do grenades have a waffle pattern?
To get a better grip, and the improve the fragmentation of the casing (did not work) They are no longer produced by the US. When the grenade explodes it fragments into pieces. The pattern that looks like a waffle allows it to fragment more evenly in all directions rather than just the weakest spot in the grenade.
How heavy was a World War 2 grenade?
About 1 lb 5 oz
| Mk 2 Grenade | |
|---|---|
| Produced | 1918–1950s |
| Specifications | |
| Mass | About 1 lb 5 oz (600 g) depending upon filling |
| Length | 3.5 inches (89 mm) body 4.5 inches (110 mm) overall |
When were stick grenades invented?
The stick grenade was introduced in 1915 and the design developed throughout the war. A friction igniter was used; this method was uncommon in other countries but widely used for German grenades.
Why are grenades painted yellow?
Sometime in the 1930’s the body shape was changed slightly, now with a continuous vertical groove pattern. The fuze bouchon (body) was modified by eliminating the “cut-back” and the safety lever lengthened. Yellow was the color code for high explosive ordnance at this time and HE grenades were painted accordingly.
What is a pineapple grenade?
The fragmentation hand grenade was used by the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. Commonly known as a “pineapple” grenade, because of its shape and structure, the MK2 has grooves in its cast-iron shell to aid in gripping the grenade – which give it the appearance of a pineapple fruit.
Do soldiers ever cook grenades?
But to sum up on the matter of cooking grenades, soldiers can and do, though rarely, “cook” grenades to minimise the time an enemy has to react to them, although doing so isn’t advised and requires, to quote a book literally titled Grenades, “great confidence in the manufacturer’s quality control”.
What are some interesting facts about hand grenades?
Here’s a fun fact to know and tell about hand grenades. The Stielhandgranate, the German hand grenade with the stick, was an offensive hand grenade. Offensive hand grenades use only the force of the explosive detonating to cause casualties.
Why were German grenades called egg grenades?
Soon two types of grenades became standard for the Germans: stick (with the explosive can attached to a wooden handle) and egg (because it resembled an egg). German stick grenades were also called “potato mashers” again for their shape.
What type of grenades were used in WW11?
The German Stick Grenade and the Mills 36 Grenade were two famous grenades used in WW11. They were however meant for two different purposes, The Stick Grenade which was not as powerful as the Mills was an assault grenade.
What type of grenade is the Stielhandgranate?
The Stielhandgranate, the German hand grenade with the stick, was an offensive hand grenade. Offensive hand grenades use only the force of the explosive detonating to cause casualties. Do you see much material for fragmentation or Shrapenel in this cut-away?