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German Hand & Rifle Grenades
Bulletin No. 59, March 7, 1944
[DISCLAIMER: The following text is taken from a U.S. wartime publication on enemy ordnance. As with all wartime material, the text may be incomplete or inaccurate. No attempt has been made to update or correct the original contents. Any views or opinions expressed do not necessarily represent those of the website.]


Magnetic Anti-tank Grenade
Haft Hohl Ladung 3kg.

Data

Overall length       4-3/8 inches.
Maximum diameter3-1/16 inches.
ColorField Grey.
Total Weight7 lbs. 11 ozs.
FillerRDX/TNT.
Weight of filler3 lbs. 5 ozs.
IgniterB.Z. 24.
Delay4.5 sec. or 7 sec.

Description

This grenade is painted field grey and is fitted with magnets which are sufficiently powerful to cause it to adhere to a vertical surface. The main filling is contained in a pressed metal container which is conical in shape with an elongated apex serving the dual purpose of forming a hand-grip and accommodating the exploder pallet of PETN/Wax. This latter is housed in a metal tube protruding from the underside of the screw-threaded closing cap. The metal tube is screw-threaded internally to receive the igniter.

Attached to the base of the conical portion by means of six bolts protruding through the container is a plywood framework carrying three horseshoe type magnets. During transit these magnets are fitted with a keeper which must, of course, be removed before using the charge. A brass chain terminating in a hook is attached to the frame.

This charge is reported to penetrate as much as 110 mm. of armor. The penetration is acquired through the use of the shaped charge formed around the 60 degree angle cone.

There are two igniters used in this grenade: one having a delay of 4½ seconds and the other having a delay of 7 seconds. The first igniter has a blue cap and the second has a yellow cap.

Operation

The friction igniter is pulled and this will ignite the delay element. When the grenade strikes a tank the magnets cause it to cling to the side and at the end of the delay time the igniter will detonate the exploder pellet and main filling.

[German Anti-tank Magnetic Grenade (Haft Hohl-Ladung 3 kg.)]

 


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