Description
The M59 (M33A1) fragmentation hand grenade is used to supplement small arms fire against the enemy in close combat. The grenade produces casualties by high velocity projection of fragments in a uniform distribution pattern.
The grenade body is a 2.5 inch diameter steel sphere which is designed to burst into numerous fragments when detonated. The grenade body contains 6.5 ounces of high-explosive, Composition B. Each grenade is fitted with a fuze that initiates the explosive charge.
The M59 (M33A1) grenade used the M217 fuze which is an electrical impact functioning fuze with a secondary pyrotechnic delay feature that will detonate the grenade if it does not explode on impact. The major components are as follows, a bouchon assembly, a fuze body assembly (which contains a primer, thermal power supply, an arming delay thermal switch, a delay detonation thermal switch assembly, an impact switch assembly and an electric detonator), and a booster pellet. The bouchon assembly consists of a striker, striker spring, striker hinge pin, safety lever and safety pin with pull ring. The fuze body is hermetically sealed.
The M217 fuze is equipped with a steel safety pin and pull ring. The split end of the safety pin is either spread approximately 40 degrees or diamond shaped to prevent accidental removal and arming during shipping and handling. The pull ring is provided to facilitate easy removal of the safety pin.
The M59 grenade is the same as the M68 grenade except that it does not have a safety clip. Olive drab with yellow markings.
Functioning
No information about functioning.
Hazardous Components
No information about hazardous components.
See Also
Grenade, Hand, Fragmentation, Impact, M68
Source(s)
TM 43-0001-29, Grenades (chg 4, 2002)
TM 9-1385-51, Ammunition (Conventional) for Explosive Ordnance Disposal (1967)
