Description
Anti-Tank Grenade M9A1 consists of a body, a stabilizer assembly, and a fin. The body is cylindrical, the two pieces joined in the middle with rounded ends. The stabilizer is a hollow tube which screws into the base of the body and fits over the launcher; it also carries a shroud fin assembly which aids in stabilizing the flight of the grenade. The body is made of cast metal.
The impact fuze, which consists of a striker held away from a detonator by a creep spring and a safety pin is assembled integrally with the stabilizer assembly. The safety pin projects through the fuze body and clamps around the stabilizer tube. When the pin is withdrawn, a drop of two feet, nose first, to a hard surface will cause the fuze to function.
This grenade is designed primarily for use against tanks and other armored or resistant targets. It must strike within 20° or normal to be sure to function. However, the velocity of the grenade itself is not a critical factor, as it incorporates the hollow-charge principle. The danger radius to the rear of the explosion is 50 yards.
The M9 is an earlier model. It has the same tail assembly, but the head is acorn shaped and is equipped with a point detonating fuze. It is slightly less sensitive than the M9A1. Tile safety pin of the M9 is located in the base of the grenade body instead of in the stabilizer tube. Its pull ring is secured to the body with adhesive tape.
Functioning
The grenade is fired from a rifle by means of a special launcher attachment. A special cartridge is used for propulsion. The grenade must be placed on the launcher before the safety pin is withdrawn. The safety pin is removed before firing. When the grenade is fired, setback holds the striker away from the detonator. On impact, the striker overcomes the creep spring and hits the detonator.
See Also
Nothing else to see.
Source(s)
OP 1664, Volume 2 - US Explosive Ordnance (1947)
TM 9-1904, Ammunition Inspection Guide (1944)
