Description
Mechanical time fuzes of the M563 series are used to function flechette loaded 105mm Cartridge M546.
Mechanical Time M563 series fuzes are comprised of a solid aluminum head, a lower cap assembly with time graduation in seconds which houses a setting pin and hammer spring, a fuze body which contains the clockwork timing mechanism, the muzzle action feature, the detonator holder plug assembly and the vernier scale for accurate time settings to a tenth of a second. The lower cap time graduations contain an MA designation for muzzle action, a 1/2 second setting for minimum downrange functioning, and whole-second increments for preset downrange functioning. The vernier scale for fractional second time settings and reference zero-line time indication are contained on exterior of the body. Detonator M47 is positioned directly under the timing movement firing pin. The detonator holding plug assembly contains Detonator M87 centrally located below Relay M11 positioned in the closing plug. Between Relay M11 and Detonator M87 two overlapping centrifugally operated weights provide safety in handling.
Fuze XM563E1 has a larger timing disk than Fuze XM563E2. The muzzle action feature in Fuzes XM563E1 and XM563E2 is activated by four alpha weights and two centrifugal weights. In Fuzes XM563E3 and XM563E4, the alpha weights are replaced by four setback pins. The M563 (XM563E4) differs from the XM563E3 in the escapement mechanism in which an improved configuration of balance lever and spring is used.
Functioning
No information about functioning.
Hazardous Components
No information about hazardous components.
See Also
Cartridge, 105mm APERS-T, M546
Source(s)
TM 43-0001-28, Artillery Ammunition (chg 11, 2003)
TM 9-1300-203, Artillery Ammunition (1967)
TM 9-1385-51, Ammunition (Conventional) for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (1967)
