Existing comment:
Xm400 105mm HE cartridge, c. 1960s:
This ICM (improved conventional munitions) howitzer cartridge delivered 18 fragmentary airburst grenades to a target area. After the projectile has been fired, a time fuse detonates the expulsion charge which scatters the M36 grenades from the rear of the projectile. The M36 grenade contains 21.25 grams of Comp AS explosive in a steel ball. Upon expulsion from the projectile, the vanes open and orient the grenade in a vertical position and stabilize the grenade. When the grenade impacts the target surface, the yoke drives the firing pin into the detonator which initiates the ejection charge. The ejection charge forces the grenade 4 to 6 feet above the impacted surface, when they delay detonator explodes the grenade, causing the steel ball to fragment. |