Description
For screening, signaling, or for incendiary effect against flammable targets.
WP smoke rifle grenade M19A1 is filled with WP. This chemical agent ignites spontaneously when exposed to air, producing a yellow-white flame and firing off a dense cloud of white smoke. When used as an antipersonnel weapon, grenade M19A1 has an effective casualty radius of 10 meters. Grenade M19A1 has a maximum range of approximately 195 meters.
WP smoke rifle grenade M19A1 consists of three basic parts: a steel stabilizer tube assembly, an integral fuze and a body.
The M20 and T6E1 are rifle smoke grenades with a filling that emits white smoke. The T6E1 is 1/4 inch longer than the M20. Both are identical in construction and operation to the M19A1. The M20 is filled with 10.8 ounces of HC smoke mixture and is used exclusively for screening purposes. The fuze functions on impact and ignites the smoke mixture. The smoke mixture burns for approximately one minute, giving off a dense white non-toxic smoke through the emission holes in the base of the grenade body.
Functioning
After the grenade is launched, the fuze functions on impact. It bursts the body and scatters particles of burning WP over a large area.
Grenade and fuze functions as follows: The grenade ogive strikes the ground or other resistant object. Inertia of the firing pin overcomes spring tension and the firing pin strikes the primer. The primer emits a small, intense spit of flame. Flame from the primer explodes the detonator. Explosion of the detonator ruptures the body. Fragments of the body and particles of WP scatter over an area with a radius of approximately 10 meters. Particles of WP ignite upon coming into contact with air and produce a dense cloud of white smoke.
Hazardous Components
No information about hazardous components.
See Also
Nothing else to see.
Source(s)
TM 43-0001-29, Grenades (chg 4, 2002)
OP 1664, Volume 2 - US Explosive Ordnance (1947)
