RGN hand grenade

The RGN hand grenade (Ruchnaya Granata Nastupatel'naya, "Hand Grenade Offensive") is an offensive Soviet blast hand grenade. It consists of a smooth spherical aluminium body and internally scored to generate fragments upon detonation. Externally, the RGN is similiar to the RGO hand grenade.[1] The UDZS fuze has both impact and time delay functions, the impact fuze arms after a pyrotechnic delay of 1 to 1.8 seconds. If the grenade strikes an object after this time a spherical lead shot filled impact weight will trigger detonation. If the grenade has not struck anything after 3.5 to 4 seconds the second pyrotechnic delay will detonate the grenade.[1]

RGN hand grenade
RGN hand grenade
TypeHand grenade
Place of originSoviet Union
Specifications
Mass290 grams (10 oz)
Length113 millimetres (4.4 in)
Diameter60 millimetres (2.4 in)
FillingA-IX-1 (96% RDX phlegmatized with 4% wax)
Filling weight97 g (3.4 oz)
Detonation
mechanism
UDZS Impact fuze arming after 1 to 1.8 seconds or time delay after 3.5 to 4 seconds.

The grenade has a stated lethal radius of 4 m (13 ft)[1][2] to a maximum of 10 m (33 ft),[3][4] and a safety radius of 25 m (82 ft).[5] It can be thrown 30–40 m (98–131 ft).[6] The grenade is currently in production in Russia and Ukraine, and is in service with a number of other countries.[1]

History

The RGN and RGO grenades were developed under Project BAZALT ("Basalt") during the Soviet–Afghan War to supplement the RGD-5. When in combat in the mountains Russian troops found their grenades were less effective. The steep terrain often caused grenades to accidentally bounce or roll back towards the thrower's position and cause friendly casualties, while their long fuse time allowed the enemy forces to get under cover.[6] The time delay fuze prevents friendly casualties if it impacts too soon or will air-burst over an enemy under cover if it hadn't impacted after 3.5 to 4 seconds. The impact fuze detonates when it hits any terrain - even sand, snow, or water.[6]

See also

References
  1. Rottman, Gordon L. (20 February 2015). The Hand Grenade. Bloomsbury Publishing. pp. 31–32. ISBN 978-1-4728-0735-9. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
  2. McCullough, Jay (July 2010). Ultimate Guide to U.S. Army Combat Skills, Tactics, and Techniques. Skyhorse Publishing. ISBN 9781616080105.
  3. "FM 3-23.30, Grenades and Pyrotechnic Signals" (PDF). bulletpicker.com. Department of the Army.
  4. One, Bravo (6 March 2012). "Offensive Hand Grenades". loadoutroom.com. Loadout Room.
  5. "Weapon of the Week RGN Grenade". dnidefence.com. Donbass Defense Journal.
  6. shtab, Russia (Federation) Generalʹnyĭ (2002). The Soviet-Afghan War: How a Superpower Fought and Lost. University Press of Kansas. pp. 41–42. ISBN 978-0-7006-1185-0. Retrieved 30 August 2023.
  • Janes Infantry Weapons 1991-1992, ISBN 0-7106-0963-9

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