Description
WP smoke hand grenade M15 is a bursting type grenade used for signaling, screening and incendiary purposes.
The grenade body is of sheet steel and is cylindrical in shape. The body has a fuze well liner and is filled with WP.
The screening effect of the smoke is limited because WP burns with such intense heat, the smoke tends to rise rapidly. Pieces of WP will burn for about 60 seconds, igniting any flammable substance contacted. The hand grenade M206A1 and M206A2 are pyrotechnic delay-detonating fuzes. They differ only in body construction. The body contains a primer and a pyrotechnic delay column. Assembled to the body are a striker, striker spring, safety lever, safety pin with pull ring, and a detonator assembly. The split end of the safety pin has an angular spread or a diamond crimp.
Safety clips are not required with these grenades.
Functioning
Removal of the safety pin permits release of the safety lever. When safety lever is released, it is forced away from the grenade body by a striker acting under the force of a striker spring. The striker rotates on its axis and strikes the percussion primer. The primer emits a small, intense spit of flame, igniting the delay element. The delay element burns for 4 to 5 seconds, then sets off the detonator. The detonator explodes rupturing the body and exposing the WP filler to air. The WP will burn approximately 60 seconds.
Hazardous Components
No information about hazardous components.
See Also
Source(s)
TM 43-0001-29, Grenades (chg 4, 2002)
TM 3-300, Ground Chemical Munitions (1956)
OP 1664, Volume 2 - US Explosive Ordnance (1947)
