Description
This is a spin stabilized Anti-aircraft projectile. This projectile is for use against aircraft. These projectiles are similar in construction to high capacity projectiles, except that a nose time or variable time fuze is always assembled. It can be used for antiaircraft fire or, with the time fuze set on safe, used for bombardment.
The Mk 31 projectile was originally designed to receive the Mk 13 base fuze, which is now obsolete. The projectile will now be found fitted only with variable time fuzes and a plug in the base. The Mk 40 fuze is replacing the Mk 32 and Mods. With these fuzes, the projectile adapter will be removed, and the Mk54 auxiliary detonating fuze will be employed, replacing the previously used Mk 17 and Mk 46 fuzes. When the Mk 53 variable time fuze is used, the projectile adapter will be removed and the Mk 44 auxiliary detonating fuze employed. This projectile is also issued blind loaded and plugged or blind loaded with tracer with adapter and Mk 6 tracer (or cut off Mk 13 base fuze) for target practice. Variable time fuzing is indicated by a 1/2" red band painted around the projectile 1/2" below the fuze protective cap.
The projectile is green.
Functioning
No information about functioning.
Hazardous Components
No information about hazardous components.
See Also
Nothing else to see.
Source(s)
OP 1664, Volume 1 - US Explosive Ordnance (1947)
