Type 2 rifle grenade launcher

The Type 2 rifle grenade launcher was an attachment for the Japanese Type 38 and Type 99 rifles that allowed them to fire special hollow charge grenades. It was a version of the German Schiessbecher grenade launcher. Two grenades were produced for the launcher: a 30 mm calibre grenade and a larger 40 mm calibre grenade, both designated Type 2. The launcher sits over the end of the barrel, held in place with a clamping device. A special crimped blank cartridge or wooden bullet is used to fire the grenades.

A Type 2 rifle grenade launcher, with a 30 mm Type 2 grenade (top), and a large 40 mm Type 2 grenade (bottom).

The rear of the grenades is pre-rifled to mate with the rifling in the launcher. The rifling ensures that the grenade is spun in flight, giving it stability and arming the rotational fuze. Both grenades use a largely identical fuze, which makes up the rear part of the grenade. On impact, momentum carries the striker assembly forward, overcoming the resistant force of a creep spring into the detonator.

30 mm grenade 40 mm grenade
Length 160 mm (6.3 in) 180 mm (7.1 in)
Length of
upper body
96 mm (3.8 in) 107 mm (4.2 in)
Diameter of
upper body
30 mm (1.2 in) 40 mm (1.6 in)
Length of
lower body
74 mm (2.9 in)
Weight 230 g (8.1 oz) 370 g (13 oz)
Explosive content 50 g (1.8 oz) 100 g (3.5 oz)
Explosive type 50% TNT / 50% RDX
Armor penetration 30mm [1] 50mm [1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "Archived copy" (PDF). Archived (PDF) from the original on 2018-01-10. Retrieved 2018-01-10.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  • TM-E 30–480, Handbook on Japanese Military Forces. United States War Department.

See also

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