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.
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 | - | 100 mm (3.9 in) of mild steel |
References
- TM-E 30-480, Handbook on Japanese Military Forces. United States War Department.