A Type 2 rifle grenade launcher, with a 30 mm Type 2 grenade (top), and a large 40 mm Type 2 grenade (bottom).
The Type 2 rifle grenade launcher was an attachment for the Japanese Type 38 and Type 99 rifles that allowed them to fire special hollow charge grenades. It was a version of the German Schiessbecher grenade launcher. Two grenades were produced for the launcher: a 30 mm calibre grenade and a larger 40 mm calibre grenade, both designated Type 2. The launcher sits over the end of the barrel, held in place with a clamping device. A special crimped blank cartridge or wooden bullet is used to fire the grenades.
The rear of the grenades is pre-rifled to mate with the rifling in the launcher. The rifling ensures that the grenade is spun in flight, giving it stability and arming the rotational fuze. Both grenades use a largely identical fuze, which makes up the rear part of the grenade. On impact, momentum carries the striker assembly forward, overcoming the resistant force of a creep spring into the detonator.
| 30 mm grenade | 40 mm grenade | |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 6.4 inches | 7.1 inches |
| Length of upper body |
3.8 inches | 4.2 inches |
| Diameter of upper body |
1.2 inches | 1.6 inches |
| Length of lower body |
2.9 inches | |
| Weight | 8.1 ounces | 13 ounces |
| Explosive content | 1.76 ounces | 3.5 ounces |
| Explosive type | 50% TNT / 50% RDX | |
| Armor penetration | - | 3.88 inches of mild steel |
References[]
- TM-E 30-480, Handbook on Japanese Military Forces. United States War Department.
See also[]
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