University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln

DOD Military Intelligence U.S. Department of Defense

7-1950 A Guide to the Collection of Technical Intelligence, Part I, July 1950 Department of the Army, Assistant Chief of Staff

Robert Bolin , depositor University of Nebraska - Lincoln, [email protected]

Follow this and additional works at: http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dodmilintel Part of the Defense and Security Studies Commons, Military and Veterans Studies Commons, Other Engineering Commons, Peace and Conflict Studies Commons, and the Soviet and Post-Soviet Studies Commons

Department of the Army, Assistant Chief of Staff nda Bolin, Robert , depositor, "A Guide to the Collection of Technical Intelligence, Part I, July 1950" (1950). DOD Military Intelligence. 68. http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/dodmilintel/68

This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the U.S. Department of Defense at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in DOD Military Intelligence by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. /lIe y /1- 2- ,ilS Irso IA GUIDE TO THE COLLECTION .OF TECHNICAL INTELLIGENCE (PART I) (

JULY 1950

l;. tMT£L..I-f G£kJct: PI\)I !,t 6 U,l DEPARTMENT OF THE- ARMY.. 1-J t6 ~FrICE, ASSiSTANT~ CHIEf 01' STAFF, G-2 ~ . -, WASHINGTON 25, D. C.

III~~III~IIIIIII~II~II~II 3 0002 19319 b CONTENTS ARMORED VEHICLES ______1

ARTILLERY 8 INFANTRY Sl"lALL ARMS ______14

.MORTARS, INFANTRY ANTITANK WEAPONS, AND GRENADES 21 MINES, BOOBY TRAPS, AND DEMOLITIONS 29

AMMUNITION 38 ARTILLERY ROCKETS AND ROCKET LAUNCHERS 46 . ARMORED VEHICLES

and lightly ·armed vehicle carried on a semI­ Although the most useful sources of informa­ tracked or wheeled chassis. tion required in the preparation of intelligence , A Self-Propelled Gun-a field or antitank gun studies of a highly technical nature are to be which is mounted on an armored chassis, found in photographs, technical documents, or usually a tank chassis, with a fixed superstruc­ in actual physical testing of materiel, a very ture giving it limited traverse, or an antiaircraft large amount of valuable information can be gun with 360 0 traverse in a very lightly armored obtained by visual inspection or by interroga.:. . combat compartmeI}.t. (Figures 10 and 12.) tions. It is essential that observers, regardless Tanks of the extent of their technical knowledge, 1.-Hull. know exactly what is im portan t and what to a. -Side· "View. look for in the procurement of information. (1) Is idler wheel at front or rear? (This Durmg World War II, for example, an accu­ whee] has no gear teeth.) rate forecast of the future combination of slope (2) Is' drive 8procket at front or rear? (The and thickness of German armor enabled the drive sprocket is toothed on modern tanks so British to design the subsequently adequate as to drive the tracks.) 17 -pounder. . (3) What is length of track on ground-i. e., While general knowledge of standard weapons dIstance between centers of front and rear must include performance, recognition factors, track wheels? (These are often called, bogie and maintenance and operational instructions, wheels.) . information on research and development must (~) What is number of track support rollers? include the extent of advancement in special­ (5) What are, number and approximate ized fields and the estimated dates when the diameter of track wheel8, and are they 8ingle or fruits of such effort can be made available to double? . ' the armies. (6) Are track wheels in line, as shown in The tank commander must know at what Fig_ure 1, or o.verlapped as sh~Wn in. Figure 2, ranges he can defeat and be defeated. Design and have they track support rollers or not? and development departments must insure that (7) Is the spririging internal or external, and United States weapons are second, to none: what is its type? Internal springing can be while.plans and operations staffs must know identified by a crank arm. Spring types are _that they have the right tools for the right job. sho.wn in Figures 3 and 4. ·Technical Discussion (8) Design: (a) Angles of plate to vertical. . As a guide as to' what is important and what (approx); (b) approximate thickness; (c) "to look for in the preparation of reports upon whether plates are welded, riveted, or bolted, armored combat vehicles, the following check- or are a combination of all three.· (d) is plate­ ,.list has been prepared covering the important interlocking employed? . (e) what is the nose points of:' (1) A tank; (2) an armored car; and shape, and what shape of hull is employed? (3) . a· self-propelled gun. As here used, the (See Figures 5 and 6 .)' tfollowing definitions apply: (9) Is armor "rolled plate" (i. e., flat slabs, . A Tank-an armored combat vehicle running welded or joined as above), or is. it cast? (If on trackS' and provided with a gun fitted in an cast, it may be recognized by rounded corners enc!osed turret having 360 0 traverse. (Figur.e and "bumpy" surface of arI;Ilor. Care should lL), be taken, however, to distinguish between rough An Armored Car-a relatively lightly armored casting and a coating of anti-magnetic plaster.) (10) What is over-aU length of tank (exclud­

I ~See Fiiures 1 through -10, pages 2 and 3; and Figures 11 and Ill, page 6. ing the overhang of the main. armament)? 1 ARMORED VEHICLES

FIGURE I TYPICAL TYPICAL SUSPENSION SYSTEMS SPRING SYSTEMS· FIGURE 3

SEMI- ELLIPTIC

QUARTER ELLIPTIC

HELICAL (OR COIL) VERTICAL

FIGURE 2

VOLUTE

WITH NO TRACK SUPPORT ROLLERS

HORIZONTAL VERTICAL

FIGURE 4

WITH TRACK SUPPORT ROLLERS

TYPICAL TANK HULL ARMOR JOINING METHODS

HULL ABOVE FENDER FIGURE 5

FRONT PLATE UPPER

"- FRONT PLATE PLATE INTERLOCKING HULL FLOOR PLATE LOWER FIGURE 6

2 ARMORED VEHICLES

TYPICAL SPONSON TYPICAL TANK GUN MANTLETS' ARRANGEMENTS FIGURE 8

OVER-ALLI TRACKS SPONSONi CONSTRUCTION F I G U R E

SPONSON ABOVE TRACK 7

TYPICAL MUZZLE BRAKES FIGURE 9

NO SPONSON TYPICAL SELF -PROPELLED GUN MOUNTED IN. FRONT GLACIS PLA1E' OF MODIFIED TANK FIGURE 10 ANTENNA GUN WITHOUT. MUZZLE-BRAKE

ROTATING PERISCOPE

FENDER

FRONT IDLER TOWING HOOKS

3 (11) What)s the sponson arrangement? (See tack); or, if it is a low velocity weapon, what is Figl}re 7.) its maximum range?' . (11)" What is the sponson arrangement? 1 (7) Is the gun mounted in orthodox fashion b.-Front ·View. (i. e., ,with ree-oil gear), rigidly mounted, or of recoilless type? (1) Width over tracks. . (8) What fire control devices are used (direct (2) Width over-all,' if greater than width fire telescope,. gun stabilizatio:o., infrared or over tracks. radar)? (3) Angle to vertical of hull above fender. (4) Angle to vertical of hull below fender f.-Auxiliary Armament. plate. (1) Is there a coaxial machine gun? If so, on (5) Width of each track. which side of the main armament is it mounted? (6) . Type of hull' construction. (See Figure (The larger hole in the mantlet beside the main 8). arma~ent usually indicates the machine gun's 2.-Turret. position.) . a.-Front View. (2) Is there a front hull machine gun? If so, is it fixed or in a movable mount? (1) Is armor cast or welded rolled plate? ,(3) Are there any more machine g~s, smoke (2) Is the commander's cupola fitted an9" or grenade dischargers, or other auxiliary weap­ if so, on what side is it located? ons? (Flame-throwers, whether mounted in (3). What is the angle of the side plates to place of the main or subsidiary armament may vertical? generally be distinguished externally by their b. Plan View. thin barrels.) What is the shape of the turret? 3.-Miscellaneous. c.-Side View. (1) Type of engine-gasoline or Diesel? (1) What i~ the shape of the turret roof, and (Characteristics of the latter are .blue exhaust what are the angles to vArtical? smoke and deep-throated exhaust beat.) 'Vhat (2) What is the shape of the turret front, and is the horsepower output at specific number of what is the angle to vertical? Is the gun r. p. m., and what is the maximum output? mantlet internal or external, fiat or curved? What is the number of cylinders? What is the (See Figure 8.) cooling system? (3) What is angle of turret rear plate to (2) What is the approximate maximum speed? vertical? (Specify on roads or cross country.) d.-Mantlet Designs. (3) Type of t:ransmission-crash, synchro­ What type of mantlet is fitted? mesh,. or preselector; cross-drive ortorqumatic­ e.-Main Armament. and number of speeds given, forward and reverse. (1) Is gun long in relation to tank? If so, (4) Type of steering gear (mechanical, me­ approximately how far does it project beyond chanical with servo, electric or hydraulic assist­ nose or tail of tank? ance, or electric, hydraulic, or air-operated; (2) Has it a muzzle brake? If so, is it of controlled diff~rential or clutch and brake). single, double) or multibafHe type? Types are (5) Is the turret traversed by power as well shown in Figure 9 on page 43. as by hand? High turning speed is the charac­ (3) Approximate length of ammunition and teristic feature. Is power traverse electric or muzzle velooity of each type (hollow charge, hydraulic? Is it operated from the vehicle HE, AP, HVAP). engine or by a separate engine? (4) Is ammunition "fixed" or "separate"? (6) What is the tank's water-fording per.- (i. e., is projectile fixed to cartridge case, or are . formance? Is it amphibious or submersible? the two loaded separately?)' . If so, what special methods are used to drive (5) What are maximum angles of depression it in the water, to seal the openings in the and elevation, in degrees? hull and turret, to communicate' with other (6) What is the performance of the gun tanks or the shors when in the water, to guide against armor (specify range and angle of at- it in water, and to ventilate it and supply air to the engine? .4 (7) What are its official army _nomenclature front or rear? and tne manufacturer's nomenclatu·re? Has 13. What are maximum speed and radius of the vehicle any nickname given to it by the action on roads? troops? What is the manufacturing firm, and 14., What type of transmission is provided, what is th,e serial number? and how many speeds does it give forward and (8)' Bridge-laying vehicles on tank chassis reverse? (bridge-laying tanks) are easily distinguished by 15. What type of engine is mounted? . How tha bridge structure on top of the hull. The many cylinders has it, of what arrangement, bridge may be rigid or folding and put into and what is its output in llOrse power at a position mechanically or by hand. If of specified number of revolutions per minute, (9) What are the weight, combat-loaded, the and what is its maximum output? ground clearance, height, number of crew,' fuel 16. How are the wheels sprung? capacity of the main and auxiliary tanks? 17. If semi-tracked, what type of track is Range of action (specify roads or cross-country), fitted? Are the track pins dry or lubricated, maximum trench-crossing ability, vertical step, and are they mounted in any type of anti-fric­ fording,and gradi~nt. tion bearing? Do the track links have rubber pads? How many track wheels are there? Armored Cars How are they sprung, and what is their ar­ rangement? L Armored cars may be either wheeled, semi­ tracked, or- have alternative wheel' or track Self-Propelled Artillery drive. Of which type is the car under exam­ 1. A self-propelled gun is usually based on ination? the chassis of a standard tank, carrier, or semi­ 2. If wheeled, how many wheels has it, and tracked vehicle. On what chassis is this what is their arrangement? equipment based? 3. How are the wheels driven? 2. Its most noticeable characteristic is ~he 4. How many wheels are, or can be, driven lack of a turret which can traverse through 360°, and steered? although an armored, fixed superstructure 5. If a wheel-cum-track design, how are the somewhat resembling a turret, may be fitted. wheels changed over for tracks and vice versa, Is the gun mounted: (a) In th~ hull front plate and how long does the opreation require? of the vehicle? (b) above the superstructure 6. What is the weight of the vehicle when roof behind, a roofless bullet-proof shield? combat loaded? (c) in a fixedarmortld "turr~t"? 7. What is the service or the manufacturer's . 3. What are the caliber and length in calibers nomenclature of the vehicle? What is the of the gun? manufacturing firm, and what is the serial 4. What is the type of ammunition, and how number? many rounds are carried? - 8. What are the over-all length, width, height, 5. Is a muzzle brake fitted? If so, of what track and wheelbase? type? 9. What is the main and auxiliary armament? 6. What is the auxiliary armament? Give details of ammunition (types and whether 7. Thicknesses and augles of armor plates, fixed or separate), number of rounds, perform­ hull design, suspension, etc. as for tanks. ance at a specified range and angle of attack 8. What is the official army nomenclature of ag~inst armor and muzzle velocity. What are the equipment? Or, failing this, the manu­ maximum angles of depression and elevation facturer's or popular nomenclature? What is of main and auxiliary armament? . the manufacturing firm, and what is the serial 10. Is a muzzle brake fitted to the main number? armament? 9. Main dimensions-over-all length includ­ 11. What are the armor thicknesses of front, ing gun, gun overhang, over-all width, over-all sides, rear, roof, and bottom 'plate, and at height, distance between track centers, mini­ approximately what angles to the vertical are mum ground clearance. they mounted? 10. Traverse and elevation of main armament. 12. Is provision made for driving from either 11. Is gun of recoiling, recoilless (i. e., with

897042 0 - 50 - 2 5 ,ARMORED VEHICLES

TYPICAL ,TANK WITH ROTATING TURRET FIGURE It __';"'--'l)U'Ul:H_~ BAFFLE MUZZLE BRAKE

ROTATING PERISCOPE

HULL ABOVE FENDER

IDLER WHEEL TRACK SUPPORT ROLLERS SMALL-DIAMETER (IN-LINE) TRACK WHEELS SELF -PROPELLED GUN MOUNTED IN FIXED TU RRET - LIKE ,SUPERSTRUCTURE

THREE-BAFFLE MUZZLE-BRAKE FIXED TURRET-LIKE RECOIL GEAR SUPERSTRUCTURE AT REAR

liELOW F PLATE SMALL-DIAMETER (tN-LINE) TRACK WHEELS FIGURE 12

6 ARMORED VEHICLES back-blast of gases on firing), or rigidly mounted ordinary gun but distinguished by an outlet for to the vehicle? . ; the rearward-thrusting gases (Le.,· a series of 12. If main armament is a single or multi­ 'holes arranged in an annulus roUnd the muzzle). barrelled rocket projector, the projectile may be .State type' and number of launching rails, launched from guide rails, or from' a trough or a troughs or barrels, together with approximate tube superficially resembling the tube of an caliber and weight of projectile.

7 ARTILLERY

most important points to be covered: (1) Per­ formance and technical data; (2) the barrel and its breech mechanism; and (3) the carriage Qr Even though artillery materiel has ,played a mounting. prominent part in battles throughout mo~ern 1.-Performance and Technical Data. history, its development is far from complete, a.-What is the weapon's' official name, and and there are no indications of its being rendered what nickname, if any, have the troops given obsolete by the development of atomic and other it? Is it a gun, a howitzer, or a gun-howitzer? unconventional weapons. b.-What role does the weapon perform? Is 'Among the many innovations that have it dual- or multi-purpose? . appeared as a result of the stimulus of World c.-What is its maximum range when using War II are such weapons as the squeeze-bore HE, and what is its penetration performance gun, the rocket-assisted shell, and skirted. and when armor-piercing ammunition is used and discarding sabot projectiles. Also, armies have the quality and slope of armor plate are con­ begun to use rocket and recoilless guns on a' sidered? If an antiaircraft gun, what are its large scale. maximum vertical range and maximum effective The commander in the field must know ceiling? ' whether enemy guns at "A" can shell his d.-What types of ammunition are fired? troops at "B," aDd with what degree of What are the weights of the complete round 'accuracy. The performance of enemy anti­ and the projectile? What is the number of 'aircraft and antitank artillery is no less impor­ charges? Is the ammunition fixed or unfixed? tant. Consequently, it IS obvious that artillery e.-What is the weapon's rate of fire, and design departments, as well as military plan­ how much time is required to bring it into ning staffg, must possess complete and accurate action? intelligence on the artillery capabilities of f.-What ,are the weapon's weights in the potential enemies. ' traveling and in the firing positions? , . The most useful sources of technical informa­ g.-What is the muzzle velocity (this may tion on artillery-as with other materiel~are vary with different types of ammunition)? photographs, technical documents, or actual h.-How many degrees of traverse and eleva­ tests. However, even a casual observer can tion does the piece have? learn a great deal if he can recognize important i.~What is the weapon's serial number and characteristics and knows how to report them. factpry markings, who was the manufac~urer, Technical Discussion and what is the plant location?

Artillery materiel may be divided into several i j.-Give a general description of the we~pon, categories according_ to its role: Field Artillery;_ including dimensions (length, width, and antitank artillery_;l :an~i!tircraft artillery: ,;' ,and height) and any recognition features. coast defense artillery 1 The materiel also The Barrel and Breech Mechanism may be classified as lIght, medium, or heavy. '2 Although normally fired from a wheeled car­ 1. The Barrel~-, riage, ~n artillery piece may be mounted in a.--':'Wbat is its caliber (diameter of the' bore fixed, concrete fortifications or fired from a across the "lands" at the muzzle) r If the 'bore railway or, self-propelled mount. Often i~ has is tapered, the diameter at ·the breech should a dual or multi-purpose role, a fact which also, be given. should lalways be noted by a. military observer.' b.-What is the .length of the rifled portion, As a _guide, ~he following check list gives the and what is the length of the chamber? Wh't is the chamber capacity?

BIle Figures! l\through 6, pages 10, 11, and 12•• tiThis is sometiInes referred to as the "cannOD!' ARTILLERY c.-If the rifling appears to be unorthodox, effect, a shock absorber) and a "recuperator" give a description. . ' to return the gun to the firing position. d.-Is the barrel fitted with a muzzle brake? a.-Is the "recoil mechanism" of normal If so, of what type, and how longt 1', hydraulic type? Where is it situated? e.-What is the length of the barrel from the b.-Is the recuperator of spring type or.,is it rear of the breech mechanism to the front of hydraulic, using compressed air? Where· is it the muzzle brake? situated? }.-Is the barrel or 'cannon constructed of one tube or of several tubes? What is its general 3.--..:.Top Carriage. outline? Has it any pronounced differing ex­ This part usually supports the cradle and ternal diameters? If so, give details. ·barr@l in tr:unnion bearir!gSduring traverse and 2.-The Breech Mechanism. elevation on to a target. a.-What type of breech' mecha,nism is used? a.-Is it of welded or riveted construction? Is the gun fired by a . lever , or electrically, or b.-What is the position of the trunnion both? bearings relative to the carriage pivot? ,What b.-How is the breech mechanism opened and is the horirontal distance from the trunnion closed? . Where is the lever? bearing to the center' line of the pintle? c.-Are any automatic or semi-automatic c.-What is the height of ,the trunnion bear­ breech operating arrangements employed? If ings above the ground when the piece is in the so, of what type, are they and how are they firing position? . operated? 4.-Tiaversing and Elevating Mechanisms. The Carriage or Mount . a.-What type of gearing is. used (for ex­ The terms "carnage" or "mount" are used to ample, nut and screw, or rack and pinion)? denote all component!5 of an artillery piece' b. -Are the mechanisms hand-or power­ except the barrel and breech mechanism. The operated, or both? c.-Where are the handwheels located? word "carn,age" IS used in connection ... with ~obTIe'preces; the word "mount" in r~ferrin~ to 5. -Sighting Mechanism. fi~;d' or_sewi-fixed pieces. Invariably, sighting mechanisms are found -,-~-.> 1. - The Oradle. on the left side of field artillery pieces, and may be found on either or both sides in coast defense This is the part of the weapon through or and AA materiel. over which the gun recoils when fired.· The a.-Is the mechanism an indirect optical cradle and gun are elevated and depressed about sight or a·direct laying telescope? The former pivots known as trunnions, which are supported is normally employed with field pieces, while in a "top carriage". If the trunnions are at the latter is used for ant~tank guns. Frequently the point of balance of the gun and cradle, ele­ both types are provided. . vating C81:;, be carried out without the aid of b.-Is the sighting controlled from a remote "equilibrators"; if not, these must be orovided. point? This method usually is employed with a.-Is the cradle of welded or riveted con­ coast defense and antiaircraft artillery and is struction? usually indicated by the presence of transmis­ b.-Is it cylindrical (permitting the gun to sion cables and follow-the-pointer dials on the recoil through the cradle), or is it of the trough weapon. --In these cases, elevation and trav­ type (i. e. fitted with slides over which the gun erse are usually power-opera.ted; A descrip:­ recoils)? tion of the syst~m employed is required. c.-What are the positions of the trunnions, 6.-Fuze-Setting Mechanism. and 'the equilibrators? Of what type are thea With coast defense and antiaircraft artillery, equilibrators, spring, or pneumatic with liquid. a fuze-setting inachine which sets the fuze im­ seal, or torsion bar? . mediately before it is loaded into the gun ·2.-The.Recoil and Recuperator Systems. usually is employed. These consist of a "recoil mechanism" (Ur a.-Where are the machine or machines located? b.-Are. they ha~d-opera.ted. or power-op- 1 See Figure 9, page 3, ..9 .ARTILLERY

u "~""VII_ UFlr.I-UlNISM

TYPICAL FIELD GUN

RIGHT TRAIL

;TRAVERSING a ELEVATING HANo­ ,"nl!;.~~~ ON LEFT SIDE

TYPICAL A/TANK GUN

TYPICAL HEAVY GUN

SP~oE

10 ARTILLERY.

TYPICAL A A GUN

.{}

ADLE (containing buffer) VELLING CLAMP MOTOR FOR· POWER LOAD' OF GUN· ING 8 TRAVER­ DIAl..S

LEVELLING GEAR

11 ARTILLERY

TYPICAL BREECH MECHANISMS

LEVER OPERATING BREECH MECHANISM BREECH RING DING BLOCK

(A)

VERTICAL SLIDING BLOCK BREECH BLOCK

HORIZONTAL SLIDING BLOCK

TYPICAL COAST DEFENSE GUN

12 ARTILLERY crated, or both? This type of materiel may be identified by the 7.-Loading Devices. presence of quick release levers, bolts, or Loading and ramming devices are used where plungers, or by the presence of shaped fittings a high rate of fire is required-as with anti­ to which parachutes or pack harness can be aircraft artillery-or where the projectiles are quickly attached. The following additional information is heavy. a.-How many loading trays are used? required regarding this materiel: (1) Number of b.-Are they hand- or power-operated? loads per weapon; (2) weight of individual loads; (3) time required to disassemble; (4) c.-What system -is used for ramming the time required. to assemble; (5)- light metal projectiles? components, if any. S.-Miscellaneous. lO.-Recoilless Guns. Describe the following components if they With this materiel the stresses of recoil are are ap~licable: (1) Platform; (2) axle assembly; neutralized by directing a proportion of the (3) traIls. (These may be "split", of tubular propellant gases to the rear. Hence the gun or rectangular riveted or welded construction has no trailsl recoil mechanism, or recuperator or of the" box" type) ; (4) pedestal; (5.) wheels~ and is of much lighter construction than a a~e they constructed of light alloy? (6) suspen­ conventional piece. SIOn system. Addition a] details required for recoilless 9.-Pack Load and Airborne "MaUriel.· materiel are: (1) Dimensions and description of the vent or nozzle directing the gases to the This materiel is uSlially so constructed that rear; (2) the size of the danger area to the ~ear it. ?~n be quickly disassembled, permitting (caused by the escape of gas); and (3) details dIvIsIOn of the weapon into a number of loads of the ammunition whose cartridge case is for pack or airborne use. large or of unorthodox design.

897042 0 - 50 - 3 13 INFANTRY SMALL ARMS

type of weapon, eqUlppedwith infra-rednigh.tr.. aiming devices. . Small arms are the basic individual weapons not only of infantrymen, but of all other : Following is ,a check-list of points to be noted branches of service as well. They are generally m· collecting intelligence information regarding , defined as those weapons which can be carried the various types of small arms. by individuals and which- do not exceed 15 Performance and Tactical Data millimeters in caliber (equivalent to caliber .60). a.-What is the official nomenclature, and Small arms may be classified in three main of what type 1 is the weapon? What is its role? groups: (1) Pistols and revolvers; (2) rifles and· What is its caliber? carbines; and (3) submachine guns, machine b.-What is its length, with and without ac­ guns (light and heavy), and automatic rifles. cessories, such ~s' mount, silencer, grenade­ The first two groups are usually single-shot launcher, and special sights? (manual or semi-automatic), while the third c.-What is its weight with and without full I group consists of fully automatic weapons, gen~ and empty naagazine? erally with provision for alternative single-shot .. d.-What are its effective and maximum operation. ranges? (State with what type of round,' i. e., Although the efficiency of modern small arms ball, AP, etc.) . is the outcome of centuries of evolution, efforts e.-What are the rates of fire: cyclic' or to improve their design and performance have theoretical, and practical (including reloading by no means ceased. For example, designers etc.)? ' are still confronted with the perennial problem f·~Give the armor penetration, where appli- of increasing the rate of fire of the machine gun cable. . without incurring all the complications which g.-What is the weight of bullet, propellant, result from overheating. Allied personnel who and complete round? . What types of ammuni­ fought the Germans in 1943 will remember'their tion are fired? firs,t experience with the devastatingly high rate h. What is the muzzle velocity? of fire of the German M. G. 42. Yet tliis weapon's 1,500 rounds per minute cyclic rate is i.-What are the lengths of the rifled portion very low compared with the 20,000 rpm recentlv and the chamber? What is the weight of the achieved experimentally by one Europea~ barrel? designer. j.--Give any serial and model numbers which The problems of more compact cartridges may be inscribed on the weapon, together with and of cartridges having combustible cases are the name and location. of the manufacturer as also live research subjects. Simplification of well as his trade-mark. Furnish tracing~ if design and reduction in weight are being sought possible. . by the .designers of all small-arms-producing k.-'--:'Wbat are the ammunition feeding ar­ countries. rangements? This should include: (1). The na­ Another design t}.&lpect, which has received ture and form of the ammunition holder or con­ considerable practical application, is that of a veyor( typical magazines are shown in Figures "hybrid weapon" or one which combines the 28 to 31 on page· ); (2) the position of the tactical advantages of the rifle and the sub­ ammunition holder in the weapon; (3) the num­ machine gun. Many nations have made con­ ber of rounds which tpe magazine or belt holds; siderable independent progress with this multi­ and (4) the method of refilling'.~ , purpose type of small arm. While w~apons of this type canriot be considered decisive in them­ selves, it would be foolish to underestimate the effect of a large surprise force armed with this .:·See Figures 51 through 57, page 19 . .See Figures 28 through 29, page 18. 14 l SMALL ARMS l.'-:-Are any infra-red or other night-aiming b.-If a pistol, has the weapon an external systems used with this weapon? If so, give a hammer? Can the hammer be made to rise d.escription, including range. and fall by simply pressing the trigger, or m.-Is the weapon provided with: (1) A must it be cocked manually? Are provisions flash hider; (2) a muzzle brake; (3) a compen­ made. for selective automatic and semi-auto­ sator; (4) a sijencer? matic fire RIld for attachment of a shoulder (1) A flash hider is usually trumpet-shaped 1 stock? (2) The muzzle brake reduces recoil and often c.-In the case of the pistol, what system of takes the form of a symmetrically slotted barrel action is employed? extension. (3) A compensator uses the escaping gases' to . Rifles and Carbines counteract the tendency of light w~apons to These two types. of weapons are generally climb during automatic fire. It may take the similar except that the carbine is shorter and form of an unsymmetrically slotted barrel lighter and sometimes fires 9, weaker cartridge extension or a short cylinder with gas-escape than the basic rifle cartridge. holes in its upper surface and attached to the a.-Is the weapon manually reloaded, or is it muzzle; reloaded automatically? Semi-automatic rifles (4) A silencer is a device for tI'apping the can usually be distinguished from manually gases and therefore the sound, while allowing the operated ones by their enclosed receivers which bullet to escape. It usually takes the form of a house the more cOm,plicated mechanisms and cylindrical barrel extension.- the driving springs.G n ..-What types of ammunition are fired b.-Is a bayonet provided? What are its (armor piercing, incendiary, etc.)? What is dimensions and shape, and what is the method the shape of the bullet (round-nosed and short of attachment?'ij . - - like a pistol bullet or long like a rifle, bullet)? 2 c.-Is the weapon also used as a grenade What are the dimensions of bullet and cartridge launcher? In this role, it is fitted with a short case? Is the cartridge case rimmed, rimless, or detachable cylinder over the muzzle into which belted? Is the cartndge case tapered or the grenade is placed or with a similarly placed parallel? What material is used in the cartridge spigot. With the latter type, the -grel}ade has case construction? Feed and ejection ports a hollow tail which fits over the spigot: 7 and magazines will usually give an indication d.-I~ the stock of plain wood, plyyvood, or of the ammunition sizel~ . . plastic?-S o.-Should the breech be locked at the e.-Is a handguard provided? Of what ma- moment of firing? How is this accomplished? terial is it? . (Rotation of bolt, bolt movement to locked f.-What are the sighting arrangements? positions, etc.) (1) Is the front sight one of the types shown in Figures 39 to 43?"- Pistols and Revolvers (2) Is the rear sight one of the types shown The basic difference between these well­ in Figures 44 to 49f known weapons is that the revolver ammunition (3)' If a sniper's telescopic sight is used with supply is contained in a revolving cylinder' the rifle, how is it attached to the weapon? while in the pistol, the cartridges ~re carried in What are its dimensions and degree of IDRgIli­ a magazine usually contained in the butt and fication? What is the location of the range­ are fed under the influence of a spring. A setting drum, and what increases do tb.e range­ typical pistol is shown in Figure 2, page _ scale graduations represent? A typical sniper's a.-How many rounds can be carried in the sight is shown in Figure 50. ' mag~zine or rev9lvjnE cylinder? g.-Is the weapon an antitank rifle? (This is

1 ·See Figures 51 through 57, page 19. :lSee Figures 24 thro~gh 25, page 17. 2 See Figures 8 through 10, page 16. 7 See Figures 51 and 52, page 19. a See Figures 11 through 13, page 17. s See Figures 57 and 58, page 19. 4 See Figure 1, page 16, and figures 36 through as, page 18. See Figures 14 through 111, page 17. 15 >

SMALL ARMS

TY'PE'S OF SMALL A'RMS

1 REVOLVER

SU8MACHINE GUN , LIGHT MACHINE GUN

HEAVY MACHINE GUN

'7' ANTITANK RIFLE

SMALL-ARMS A.MMUNITION

16 SMALL ARMS

~s.i.~--'--~C:'Lt~jINDICATIONS OF CARTRIDGE LENGTH

GRIPS & GUARDS

SYSTEMS OF OPERATION

, 11 SMALL ARMS

FEED DEVICES

(NOT INSERTED INTO STRIP FEED WEAPON) (SOME STRIPS CAN BE JOINED) o '".....f1i•... .i.· ..•.'.· .• ·.. '.: .... eOo:, 3?...... • (») SWING~'OUT'CYLI NDER (FRONT VIEW)

(INSERTED INTO WEAPON) i~.>,...... EJ~~TO~~OD

LOADING-'- .'/ SIGHTING DEVICES HIGAT~I_ NG.. ,...E.... , ..., ... D...... • r .... ,::..•...••. : ... '.' .' ....38 .... .'.::; _> SOUD·FRAME REVOLVER "~ ,~~ O""B LADE BARLEYCORN 4 FRONT-SIGHT FRONT SIGHT 'FRONT SIGHT PROTECTORS ~ A~) ~~ V-NOTCH APERTURE 46 FLlP REAR SIGHT REAR SIGH-T REAR SIGHT

a DRUM SIGHT SN I PE R '5 TE LESCOPIC SIGHT

18 SMALL ARMS

MUZZLE' ATT ACHMENTS

SPIKE BAYONET

RIFLE GRENADE LAUNCHER (CUP TYPE)

RIFLE GRENADE LAUNCHER (S PIGOT TYPE)

COOLINIG SYST,EMS

19 l SMALL ARMS obsolete orobsoles~ent In modern armies.) It: syst~~ has been practically restricted. to sub­ may be recognized by the unusually long barrel machine guns: the muzzle brake, and some _form of suppor~ . b.-~oes the .weapon give autolWLtic fire . such as a monopod or bipod., only-I. e., does It. fire aslong.as the trigger is pres~ed-~r selectlv:e automatIc or semi-a.uto­ Submachine Guns, Machine Guns, and Auto- matIC fire, ac~omphshed by moving a change . . matic Rifles - , 'lever or press button? .' Machine guns may be light or heavy. .Light , c.-Is the gun air-cooled or liquid-cooled? and heavy machine guns differ chiefly in role An air cooled weapon frequently has a slotted' and weight. Light machine guns are normally barrel casing. Sometimes the barrel has no­ of rifle caliber (cal. .256-cal. .315), belt-fed, casing but is provided with fins to assist iri the and are provided with a bipod. Heavy ma­ cooling. Air-cooled barrels also may have no­ chine guns are provided with more stable casing or fins.. 'A .liQuid-cooled weap_QQ is...mo­ vided: with a large jacket surrounding the' mounts and are sometimes of larger than rifle barreL' caliber (cal. .256-cal. .60). A dual-purpose d.-Is the weapon provided with the follow­ machine gun is one that can be used as either a ing components? If so, are any of them light or a heavy machine gun by merely chang­ folding or collapsible? . ing the type of mount. In United States (1) A butt, as shown in Figure 5, page -i6;' nomenclature, automatic rifles are similar to the weapon shown.in Figure 5, page 16 but are (2) a stock, as shown in Figure 14, page 17; magazine-fed. Sub machine guns are hand-held (3) a pistol grip, as shown in .Figure 15, pllge weapons capable of a.utoma.tic fire. Sometimes 17; (4) a front hand-grip, as shown in Figure they are equipped with a selector to permit 16; page 17; (5) a bipod, as shown in Figure 20, either automatic or semiautomatic fire. Sub­ 'page 17; or, in the case of heavy machine guns, machine guns usually fire pistol cartridges. a tripod as shown in Figure 21, page 17. How is the bipod or tripod attached to the weapon? a.-Is the weapon: (1) Recoil-operated; (2) (6)' a barrel casing as shown in Figure 22, page gas-operated; or (3) blowback-operated? 17; (7) a carrying handle as shown in Figure (1) In the case of the recoil-operated'weapon, 18, page 17; (8) rear grips as shown in Figure the barrel must be free to move backward' and 19, page 17. forward. It is frequently, but not always, ,e.-What are the sighting arrangements? hou~ed within a slide or barrel jacket or casing. ~ (1) Is the front sight one of the types shown in (2) The gas-operftted weapon usually carries Figures'39 to 43, page 18? (2) is the rear sight a gas cylinder above or below the barrel. It one of the types shown in Figures 44 to 49, .has some sort ·of gas regulator screw~" page 18?(3) is any sighting mechanism pro­ (3) Blowback-type weapons utilize the pres­ vided for indirect fire? If so,' where is it sure of the powder gases to ~force the bolt to mounted? Is it provided with optical or open the re~ iIidepenqently of the barrel, to which sights?' What is the .arrangement of the dia.ls it is'-Irot locked at the moment of firing. This a.nd arcs, and how are they graduated? .

1 ',See Figures 22 through 71. page 17. i'-See Figures 59 through 61, page 19. , MORTARS, INFANTRY ANTITANK WEAPONS, AND GRENADES

word which obviously is related to "mortar" to . designate a heavy artillery mortar. The Mortars and grenades have been used for literal translations of many foreign words for generations, but the modern infantry rocket the conventional mortar' are often "mine and recoilless weapons owe their rapid develop­ thrower", "shell thrower", "grenade launcher", ment to World War II. and similar terms. . Increased thickness of armor has created a Figure 11 illustrates a conventional 81-mm. need for an infantry, man-carried weapon capa­ (approximately 3-inch) mortar. The ignition bleof defeating heavy armor. The present com­ I cartridge 2 is- inserted in the tail of the shell. bination of rocket (or recoilless) weapons and a For the longer ranges, additional propellant shaped charge enables a single infantryman to increments are fixed between the shell's fins. carry and fire-his w~apon and thereby defeat The shell is loaded tail first and, after dropping the armor of the heaviest tank. The infantry down the barrel, forces -the percussion primer 3 rocket launcher, howev.er, has severe limitations in the base of the ignition cartridge upon the .in range and accuracy. Recoilless weapons, on fixed firing pin in the base cap. Flash from the the other hand, are 'currently limited in pene­ ignition cartridge passes through the holes in trative power, owing to the fact that the REArp 1 the boom to ignite the increments. The mortar as well as other projectiles fired by recoillesS can readily be dismounted into its three main weapons· are spin-stabilized, a condition which components:' barrel and base cap, base plate, mitigates against the effectiveness of these pro­ and bipod mount. jectiles in armor penetration. Designers are Following are the most pertinent questions now devoting considerable energy to solving regarding any type of mortar: these difficulties. The prospect of rendering (1) What is the caliber of the weapon, and impotent so cheaply and so easily the most what is its official nomenclature? Who is the costly and most heavily armored tank is, to say manufacturer" and where is the plant located? the least, an attractive one. When was the weapon adopted or standardized, Infantry weapons, other than small arms, fall or both? into three main categories: (1) MortarS; (2) (2) What are its performance characteristics? antitank weapons (rocket launchers and recoil­ (a) Maxiinum and minimum ranges; (b) maxi­ less weapons); and (3) grenades. mum and sustained rates of fire; (c) probable errors in deflection and range at maximum and Mortars minimum ranges; and (d) time required, to go Mortars may be ·of the well-known conven­ into and out of firing position. tional type shown in Figure 1, page 42, or of (3) What are the weights of: (a) Th'e complete the spigot type as shown in Figure 6, page 42. weapon in the firing position? (b) the weapon A spigot mortar is one iI). which the shell is 'in the traveling position? (c) the bipod or discharged off a spigot or shaft instead of from tripod? (d) the base plate? (If not of the a barrel. Spigot mortars have been used prin­ type shown in Figure 5, page 22.) . (e) the cipally for projecting heavy- demolition charges barrel? (f) the transport cart or trailer? to a relatively short distance. . . (4) What are the dimensions of: (a) The IIi collecting technical data on these weapons, Qase ptate?-ib) the barrel (length from muzzle care should be taken to avoid confusion, be­ cause· foreign· nomenclature some tunes uses 8. I' See Page 22. I Bee Figure 3, page 22. I Bee Figure 3, page 22. . 1 ,lbgh ExPlOsive Antitank•. 21 897042 0 - 50 - 4 MORTARS,G~ENADES MORTARS. GRENADES

MORTAR COMPONENTS

MORTAR SIGHTS

E A TPROjECTILES

23 MORTARS, GRENADES

INFANTRY ANTITANK WE·APONS

24 'MORTARS, GRENADES

,HAND GRENADES (co'ntinued)

G'RENADE LAUNCHERS

LAUNCHER .A~CE'SSORIES

25 MORTARS, GRENADES to" ena'of spherical projection or 'base cap)?' and recuperator mechanism between base' cap (c) the. bore (diameter and length from muzzle and base plate? 1 to tip of firing pin or proj ectile step)? (12) Is it muzzle-loaded? If not, describe (5) What are the weapon's total traverse fully the means by which the shell is introduced and elevation? into the barrel. Is loading by hand or by (6) What type of cross-leveling mechanism is some other means? " used? (This is a device to compensate for any (13) Is the bartel smooth-bored or rifled? If unevenness in the ground by canting the sight the latter, with how many grooves, of 'what mount into a true horizontal plane.) width and depth, and what is the pitch of the . (7) What is.the method of range adjustment, rifling-i. e., what is the length in whiclr each and what is the muzzle velocity? Some mor­ groove makes one complete turn? Ho~ does tars, chiefly those of smaller caliber, have been the shell engage the rifling? used in which differences 'in range are obtained (14) What is the shape of the base plate and not by altering the charge or .the el~vation of spades? What is the depth of the spades? the barrel, but by allowing more or less gas to (15) What metals are used in the barrel, base I escape through valves in the breech. Weapons plate, and mount? . employing this system usually will be recog­ (16) How many men are in the crew, and nizable by the existence of an exhaust pipe or what are their duties? baffle plate and a graduated control mechanism, (17) What are the weight, the length, and the latter at the breech.1 .. the type of the shell? (8) What are the transporting arrangements? Infantry Antitank Weapons The components of some large mortars are too heavy to be conveniently man-handled. For The two systems most COnlmonly used in such mortars' a two-wheeled trailer or cart is infantry antitank weapons (other than grenades often provided. In some cases, the mortar and antitank guns) a.r:e rocket propulsion and must be completely removed from this car­ recoilless. 2 riage before it can be fired • In other cases, These two principles, although often confused, however, the carriage may serve as the barrel are fundamentally different. The propellant .mount in action in a manner reminiscent of a of a rocket is part of the projectile, is usually towed artillery weapon:' Sometimes wheels contained within it/ and moves with it while are fitted as shown in Figure 2, page 42. burning. In a recoilless weapon the action and (9) Is the mortar drop- or trigger-fired? location of the propellant in relation to the If the latter, where is the trigger situated and projectile are similar to those of a conventional how is it operated-e. g., by hand or by lan­ firearm. Some of the propellant gases, how­ yard? Or can either method of firing be ever, neutralize recQil by escaping either directly chosen by manipulation of a selective lever? backward or in a general rearward direction (10) Where i~ the sight placed? Is it an open through a venturi or venturis at .the breech, so 3 or an optical sight~3- If the latter, is it of the' as to equalize the reaction in both directions. eollimator; straight telescope, 7 or periscopic a.-Rocket Launchers.-An antitank rocket telescope type't~\ How many scales has it, launcher is likely to exhibit at least some of the and how are they graduated? Does the sight following features: 4 . embody a cross-level indicator bubble? If so, (1)' A tube resembling a gun barrel,' but where 'is it located? thin-walled,smooth-bored, and open-ended; it (11) What is the form of the base cap? may terminate in a funnel serving as a loading Does it mate directly with the base plate by guide. . means of a conventional ball jointi~Jorare there (2) A firing lever, button, or trigger well int~rmediate components? Is there any buffer forward of the rear of the launcher. (3) A battery or generator connected with the rear end of the launcher (in cases wher~:

I See Figure 9, page ~. I See Figure 8, page 22. 2 See Figure 4, page 22. 2 See Figure 15. page 23. 3 See Figures 10 through 12, page 23. 3 See Figure 17~ page 24. • See Figure 5, page 22. • See Figure 16~ page 24. 26 MORTARS, .GRENADES firing is initiated electrically). to suit a particular type of weapon. An effec­ (4) A shield with transparent sight windows tive projectile of this type is not likely to be to protect the firer from back flame as the rocket small, and this results in a weapon undesirably leaves the launcher. The firer may also wear ·heavy for infantry use unless the recoillF~~s protective clothing. principle is employed. (5) When the rocket is fired, Hame will shoot d.-Infantry AT Weapons and Ammu.nition.­ from the rear of the projectile and continue The following details are required on infantry to stream from the projectile in Hight until all antitank weapons and their ammunition: the propellant is burned. During this period (1) Weapon-(a) General description-sketch a continuous roaring noise quite unlike a fire­ or photograph, if a,vailable; (b) official nomen­ armis report usually will be heard. clature' and troops' nickname, if any i manu­ (6) The projectile will have no cartridge facturer and location of plant; date of adoption case, but it will have a venturi or venturis at and/or standardization; (c) dimensions and its base. weight; (d)· does the weapon exhibit any fea­ b.-Recoilless Weapons.-A recoilless weapon tures associated with rocket launchers or recoil­ may also be an open-ended tube (see Figure 17, less guns? (e) If it has a barrel or tube, the page 24) but is more likely to have a breech caliber, length, barrel, thickness,· type of bore, mechanism incorporating a venturi or venturis and description of breech end; (f) aiming-type, (see Figure 17, page 24). The barrel may be position, and graduations of sights; (g) has it a rifled or smooth-bored. The propellant is mount or wheeled carriage, or is it man-carried? often contained in a fixed-round cartridge case How is it held for firing? (h) loading and (see Figure 18, page 24), which must be so fil'ing-:'·how are these operations carried out? designed as to allow gases egress to the venturi Position and description of firing mechanism. upon firing~by means, for example, of base or (i) has the weapon any secondary role, other side sealing discs which rupture under pressure. than antitank? (j) number and duties of crew. Figure 19, page 24, illustrates the German (2) Projectile-(a) General description, illus­ Panzerfaust, one of the outstanding develop­ trated if possible. (b) what are the dimensions ments in infantry recoilless weapons during and weight? (c) has it a cartridge case? World War II. Venturi? . Fins? (d) does the round need to c.-HEAT Projectiles.-Modern infantry ,be prepared for firing? (e) is ignition by elec­ antitank weapons fire HEAT projectiles, which tric or percussion means? have extraordinary lethal effect against armored (3) Performa.nce-(a) Maximum accurate vehicles .. The "shaped" or "hollow" charges range; (b) armor penetration figur~s; (c) rate used in HEAT projectiles (see Figure 14, page of fire. 43, for typical internal construction) do not themselves pierce armor but, upon detonation under suitable conditions, they produce a for­ Grenades ward concentrated jet of high penetrative.power. The main types of grenades are antipersonnel, This results from the rush of explosive force and antitank, and chemical. The most common heat into the cone-shaped internal cavity, which methods of delivery are: (1) Throwing by is the essential feature:{if the charge..·and serves hand; and (2) using a launcher. The following to focus the penetrati~e effect at th~ point of details in respect to any grenade are required: . contact. a.-General Description.-Approximate· di-· In contrast to projectile penetrati9n, shaped­ mensions, general external appearance (send a charge penetration usually makes· a hole much sketch or photograph if available); color and smaller than the diameter of the projectile. other markings; material and construction of Figure 13, page 23, illustrates the typical ex­ the grenade; nature of loading. ternal appearance of a shaped-charge projectile b.-Use, e. g., antipersonnel, antitank, or for infantry antItank use-it looks much: like smoke.-If antipersonnel, is the principal effect a mortar shell with an elongated nose. This one of blast or of fragmentation-i. e., must characteristIc shape is dictated by various fac­ the thrower take .cover after throwing? If it tors which affect the optimum performance of a is a thin-walled blast grenade, is it designed shap~d charge;· but it may of course be varied ,to be fitted with a steel jacket or. sleeve to

27 MORTARS, .. GRENADES 'convert to a fragmentation type? (Figure 28, page· 25)? c.-Weight.-What are the weights complete (2) Method of discharge. Two conventional and weight or· volume. of loading? "methods are used-a cut-type launcher (Figure ~ d.-Arming.~What action niust be taken to 26, page 25), and a spigot-type launcher (Figure' arm the grenade-e. g., removal of the safety, ,pin ;27, page 25). In either case the launcher is or pulling the igniter cord or wire?' Does this fitted to the muzzle of a service rifle which is action leave the grenade ready to explode after loaded with' a bulletless or. woodenbullet car­ a given delay, or does it only become so after tridge containing a special propellant. Give a being thrown? 1£ the grenade has been armed brief description of the launching attachment but not thrown, can it be re-set to "Safe?" and note how it is attached. Describe ·the l e.-Fuze.-l$ it time or. impact? If .the propelling cartridge: . former, give length of delay in seconds. Can (3) How is the grenade stabilized in flight? the fuze be set for either 'time or impact action? Does it have fins? Or does it spin? . If it: Describe the fuze action and the components .~pins, w_hat causes it to· do @? , briefly. When fired from a rifle, at what dis­ (4) Method of aiming. Is a special sight: tance from the muzzle does. the grenade' fuze employed, e. g. (Figure 28, page 25)? become armed? (5) Is anything attached to the grenade to: j.---,-Effective";'ess.-Lethal radius, penetration assist its discharge, such as a gas check (Figure of armor, or duration and area of smoke 30, page 25) or a tail rod for muzzle-loading: screen under average conditions. (Figure 29, page 25)? g.--Method oj delitery. (6)' What muzzle velocity is attained? (1) Thrown by hand? (7) How is the weapon held-e. g., against (2) Launched from a rifle? the firer'$ shoulder, under his arm, or with the (3) Can either method be used? butt of the weapon resting on the ground? h. If 'thrown by hand: (1) Give maximum, (8) What is the maximum range? . distance it can be thrown by an average man; j.-Within what range limitations can it be (2) Has it any throwing aids" such as a handle effectively employed? Give maximum eleva­ (Figure 24, page 25) or stabilizing vanes of tions for such effective ranges. metal or cloth (Figure 25, page 25)? i. If launched from a rifle: (1) Is the rifle' lmodified in any way for the purpose-e. g., wire-winding to reinforce stock and handguard 1 Rocket propulsion may be used here.

28 ,MINES, BOOBY TRAPS AND DEMOLITION 8 '

(2) Antip~rsonnel mines (Figures 2 and 3) are used primarily to produce casualties among foot (Prepared with the assistance of Engineer Research Division, Army Map Service) troops. The weight of explosive charges usu­ The use of mines, booby traps, and demoli-, ally varies from one-fourth' pound to four tione'~ has long been an important ·feature of· pounds. The force of initiating action normally land warfare for safeguarding defensive posi­ required varies from 5 to 160 pounds. tions, channelizing hostile attacks, and demoral­ (3) .Antiamphibious mines (Figure 4) are used izing and destroying enemy troops. They differ principally to hinder the landing of an enemy from other weapons-such as guns, tanks, mor- force by destroying landing 'craft and disabling :tars , and machine guns-in that they are landing vehicles. They are placed on the beach deliberately placed at selected spots where they or in shallow water. They vary greatly in can injure the enemy and are activated either size and explosive content. The normal charge by the enemy himself or by some timing or re­ for this type of mine is from 20 to 70 pounds. mote-control device. (4) Drifting contact mines (Figure 6) are em­ Most of the world's armies employ specially ployed to destroy, enemy floating bridges and trained engineer troops for the tactical handling fixed ,bridge piers. They vary in, size and of these dangerous materials. With the in­ explosive content, the normal charge bemg creased use of armored and other vehicles in: from 25 to 100 pounds. modern armies and with decreased reliance on (5) Improvi..sed mines (Figure 5) are used when elaborate, prepared 'positions, it is expected' issue mines are unsuitable or unavailable for a that in future operations these weapons will part~cular mission. They may contain any of assume even greater importance. ' the standard explosives and can be set off by standard or improvised fuzes. Mines (6) Dummy mines, frequently used in place A mine is a charge of explosive, usually en­ of real mines because they are cheaper and, cased, fitted with a detonating device or devices easier to install, can be made of any material. designed to be activated by vehicles, boats, or They may be used in dummy minefields or to personnel. ' supplement real mines in a live minefield. a_~Types of Mines.-Mines are classified These lIlines often contribute materially 'to according to the purpose for which they are delay 8lld confusion of the enemy when properly designed. The six basic types employed in used. land warfare are: (1) Antitank; (2) antiperson­ b.-Mine Gompol1ents.-The five main com­ nel; (3) antiamphibious; (4) drifting contact· ponent parts of a mine are: (1) Fuze; (2) (5) improvised; and (6) dummy. ' detonator; (3) booster charge; (4) main charge; and (5) case . . ~(1) 4~titank mines (Figure 1) are designed to (1) Thejuze is the device which initiates the ImmobilIze tr~cked or wheeled vehicles. They explosive action, either instantaneously or after vary ~reatly m the amount of explosive they a set period of delay. The fuze is actuated by con tam, the normal charge being from' 4 to 22 one or a combination of the following: pressure p.ounds. The fuze is usually the pressure type, (Figure 7), pull (Figure 8), tension-release eIther percussion,. or chemical. Ordinarily a (Figure 9), or pressure-release (Figure 10), by , pressure of 200 pounds or more is necessary to personnel, boats, or vehicles. Fuzes are usually detonate them. designed for use with a parti.cular mine, for use under special conditions, or for special' I See Figures 1 tnrougn 37, pages 32 through 36. purposes (i. e., booby traps) (Figure 17) .. 29 MINES, BOOBY TRAPS, AND DEMOLITIONS The fuze is usually kept separate from the mine (7) What are the name, composition, and until the .mine is to be used. There are four weight of the main charge? What substitut,e basic types of fuzes. explosives, if any, are used? (a)-Percu..'tsion.-A striker fires a percussion (8Y Is there a'booster charge? Where is it cap. (Figures 11, 15, 16, and 17.) located? What are the name, composition, and· (b)-Friction.-Friction ignites substances weight of the booster charge? (Figure 1.) within the fuze. (Figures 12 and 18.) (9) What are the shape, size, material, and (c)-Chemical.-Chemical action; usually ac­ total weight of the detonator? What are the complished by the breaking of a vial allqwing a name, composition, and weight of the explosive chemical to come in contact with another in the detonator? Is the detonator an integral chemical or with air, results in flame or explosion part of the mine, a part of the fuze, or separate? (Figure 13). (Figures 20 and 21.) (d).-Electrical.-The closing of an electric (to) What fuzes are, or can be, used with circuit ;fires an electric cap: The current may the mine? be provided either by a battery or by chemical (a) How is the fuze actuated (by pressure, reaction within the fuze (Figures 14 and 19). pull, tension-release, pressure-release, or com­ (2) The detonator (Figures 20 and 21) is an bination thereof)? What force is required to explosive of such high sensitivity as to be easily activate the fuze? set off by action of the fuze. The detonator's (b) What type is the fuze (percussion, fric",: function is to set off the booster charge or the tion, chemical, electrical, or a combination of main charge of the mine. The detonator may these)? be an integral part of the fuze, an integral part (c) Is the fuze instantaneous or delay? of the mine, or separate from both. ' What is the time of delay? (3) The booster charge, not present in all (d) What are the official nomenclature and mines, is an intermediate charge to insure popular name? detonation of the main charge. The booster (e) What are the identifying marks and . explosive is less sensitive but more powerful colors? than that of the detonator. (f) With what other mines can this fuze be (4) The main charge is a relatively insensitive 'used? Is it readIly. adaptable for other use, explosive set off by the booster or detonator. primarily' for booby traps? The main charge provides the striking power (g) What are the shape, dimensions, and of the mine. weight of the assembled fuze? (5) The case, which may be made of almost (h) What are the name, construction, and any substance or combination of substances, is material of the component parts (Figures 15, the container for the charges and provides 16, 17, 18, and 19)1 What is the sequence of wells for the fuze or fuzes. operation? What are the safety devices?· c.-Eleinents.oj lriformation.-In collecting in­ . (i) What are the steps in arming and dis­ telligence iriformation, the folloWing check-list arming? regarding mines and fuzes' will be helpful. (j) What are the effects of moisture, tempera­ (1) Of what type is the mine? (Purpose and tu.re, shock, and passage of time on the operation use for which ,designed.) and reuse of the fuze? (2) What are the official nomenclature and (k). How are the fuzes packed ·and trans­ popular name? ported? (3) What are the identifying marks and (-11) For the mine, what .devices are used colors? for transmitting the force required fe»; deto­ (4) '\Yhat are the shape, dimensions, and nation (spider, pressure board, extension rod, etc.)? . . weight of the assembled mine? (5) What are the component parts 'of the (12) What force is required for detonation? mine? (Figures 1, 2, and' 3.) (13) Are there- provisions for booby trapping, (6) What are the weight, material, and con­ ,such as bottom or side wells or hooks? Where struction of the case? If an antipersonnel mine, are they located and what fuzes arc used? what are the type, number., size, and total (Figures. 1 and 28.) weight of pellets. or fragments? Is. the case (14) How effective is the mine against! equipPed with carrying handles? vehicles, boats, structures, or personnel? What, iO ,MINES, BOOBY TRAPS, AND DEMOLITIONS - .. , is -the effective bursting' radius? At what (3) What are the tactics and techniques for' height does a jumping-type mine (Figure 3) -using booby traps? detonate? , Demolitions (15) What steps, techniques, and precautions are necessary in installing, arming, neutralizing, Explosive demolitions have always been used and removing the mine? to destroy structures, but 'it was not until the (16) Can the mme be laid from the air? German and Soviet retrograde movements in (17) What are the effects of moisture, tem-' W orId War II that there was wholesale use of perature, shock, and passage of time on the demolitions to destroy anything of potential operation and reuse of the mine? use to an advancing army. Continuous re­ (18) How are the mines and their component search is striving to develop more dense and parts packed and transported? Are the fuze, more powerful explosives, which greatly 'en­ detonator, and mine packaged, or carried hanced their power, and in the development of together or separately? the shaped charge (Figure 31) which concen­ (19) What is the military issue classification? trates the explosive energy in one direction. Is it· standard, substitute standard, limited The effect of the shaping was to give greater standard (obsolescent), or limited procurement penetration than was otherwise possible and also (experimental)? ' to blast boreholes in steel, concrete, or similar materials. There is an increasing trend toward Booby Traps . the use of plastic explosives for demolitions, A booby trap is a llldden charge ,so placed owing primarily to the ease of molding the that it is detonated when an apparently harm­ explosive to the surface of the element to be les!) , object is disturbed. Although often em­ destroyed (Figure 32). ployed in minefields, booby traps are not classea a.-Explosives.-An explosive is a substance ~s mines. The booby:trap is used prim,amy (liquid, plastic, or solid) which, through chemi": to destroy the morale of enemy personnel and to cal reaction, violently changes into a gas, cre­ inflict casualties. It may be encountered ,under ating pressure and heat. This rate of change almost any circumstances and in almost' any into a gas is called "velocity of detonation" and form. (Figures 23, 24, 25, 28, and 29.) is measured in feet per second. The velocity , a.-General Descript"ion.-Booby traps are of detonation of TNT, for example, is 21,000 usually improvised from materials' at hand, feet per second. Explosives are generally clas­ their form and initiating action being limited sified as high explosive or low explosive. There only by the materials available and the inge­ is no exact dividing line between the two classes. nuity of the makers. A few manufactured' However, as a general guide, an explosive with booby traps were encountered during World War a velocity of detonat~on of less than 15,000 feet 'II; and their large-scale use in the future is per second is considered a low explosive. possible. Such booby traps might take the To expedite and improve military demoli­ form of cigarettes, flashlights (Figure 26), tions, explosives have been cast into many , candy bars, billfolds, pipes (Figure 27), articles ,shapes or placed in prefabricated containers of clothing, or similar objects. (shaped or hollow charges, demolition snakes, Any fuze can activate a booby trap. A Bangalore torpedoes, etc.) (Figures 31 and 33), number, of small 'and very versatile fuzes were b.-Blasting Accessories.-To use the various ,developed during World War II, especially for explosives effectively and safely, numerous ac­ . booby trapping work. . cessories have been devjsed. The more familiar b.-Elements oj bijormation.-ln collecting blasting accessories are detonating cords, time intelligence information, the following check­ or safety fuzes, fuze lighte:r:s, and blasting ma­ list regarding booby, traps will be helpful. chines for detonating electrical caps. It is ~­ (1). For fuses and charges, use the elements of portant that the distinction between detonating inform,ation ch~ck-list for the foregoing mines cord and safety fuze be carefully noted. ,The and demoliti,ons. Type of initiating action, de­ ,detonating cord explodes, whereas the safety tails of construction, and methoclR of installa­ fuze burns. Usually the -two have distinctive­ 'tion should be emphasIZed. ;outer color and texture for ready identification , C2) What tr~ining are troops receiving in the :by sight or by feel (for night use). The acces­ ,tise:of booby traps? sories are usually ~sempled, into sets for issue. 31 MINES,. BOOBY TRAPS, AND DEMOLITIONS·

TYPICAL MINE S

HEAVY ANTIPERSONNEL ANTITANK MINE MINE CD ® @ JUMPING ANTIPERSONNEL I~ MINE

o ANTIVEHICULAR ~I a ANTIAMPHIBIOUS MINE

I MPROVISED I~ MINE r DRIFTLNG ® MINE ®

32 MINES, _BOOBY TRAPS, ANI! PEMOLITIONS

TYPES OF INITIATING ACTION o ~I PR~SSURE ® PULL

@) PRESSURE RELEASE ® TENSION RELEASE

PRINCIPLES OF OPERATION MINES, BOOBY TRAPS,· AND DEMOLITIONS.

TYPICAL FUZES

DETONATORS MINES, BOOBY TRAPS, AND DEMOLITIONS.

35 MINES, BOOBY TRAPS, .. AND DEMOLITIONS ------

DEMOLITIO"NS ; MINES, .BOOBY TRAPS, AND DEMOLITIONS to troops haVing responsibility for demontion neous or delay (Figure 22)? What is the tIme- work. - of Elelay? What explosive does it contain? c.-Elements oj Injormation.-In collecting in- What explosive can it be used with? What telligence information, the following check-list 'type of cap crimper is provided for crImping regarding demolitions (explosives and acces- non-electric caps? sories) will be of value. (lJ)-A4apters.-What type of priming adapt- (1) Explosives ers are used to simplify the priming of packaged (a) What are the official nomenclature and explosives having threaded cap wells?

trade name, or other narnel by which the ex": (c)-Detonating Oords.-What is the official plosive is known?' ,des!gnation? What explo~~ve is used in the (b) What is the classification (high or low)? core~ What are the material, color, and tex- What is the velocity of detonation (num~er of 'ture of the covering? What is the velocity? feet per second)? What is the length of the normal unit of issue? (c) What are its principal uses? What it3 the stability under varying conditions? (d) What is the chemical composition of the (Figure 34.)' explosive? (d)-Detonating cord clips.-What methods or (e) What are the nature (liquid, plastic, devices are used for attaching two s.trands of crystalline, or cast), density, and color of the .detonating cord together? explosive? (e)-Time or sajetyjuzes.-What is th~ official (f) What are the weight, shape, dimensions, designation? At what rate per foot does it color, and markings of the packaged unit? Does burn? Wh~t powder is used in the core? it have threaded or unthreaded wells for inser- What are the material, color,. and texture of tion of blasting caps? Wnat are the dimensions the covering? What is the length of the issue of the wells?· (FigUre 30.) unit? What is the stability under varyi~ (g) What type of blasting cap istised? conditions? (Figure 35.) (h) What is the s~ability under varying con-. (f)-Oap sealing compounds.-\Vhat types of ditions of temperature",. moisture, and time? compounds are used to moisture-proof the con- (i) What is the Telative sensitivity to shock. nection between a non-electric cap and, a tilne and friction? fuze? (j) How is it packaged for shipment? What (g)-Fuze lighters.-What types pf . fuze- spe~ial handling is required? lighters are used .to facilitate the lighting of the (2) Prepared Demolition Oharges (Figures 31· time fuze? What is th~ir dependability under and 33). all weather conditions? What are the com- (a) What is the official nbmenclature? ponent parts of the lighter? (Figures;36 and (b) For what special or general purpose has 37.) . the charge been designed? (h)-Firing reels and wire.-What are the (c) Whatar~, th.e name, weight, and chemical dimensions,material, and weight of the reel composition 'Qf.·the explosive used? used for dispensing the firing wire? What (d) 'What are the shape, size, weight, color, length of wire is furnished, and· what is its and markings of the container, and of what thickness? . material is it constructed? (i)-Galvanometers.-What are the size and (e) What type of .fuze well is provided? Is weight? What is the maximum length of it threaded or unthreaded? .circuit that can be tested? (f) What type of fuze is used for detonation? . (j)-Blasti";'g mach2:ne or exploder.-What is (g) What are the techniques of application of the official nomenclature? . vVhat are 'the size the prepared charge?' and weight? What number and type of caps (h) How effective is the charge as applied to over various lengths of circuit will it fire? the demolition of specific objects? (k)-Kit8.-Are demolition materials issued (i) How is it packed and transported? in, kits? If so, what are the component parts (3) Blasting Accessories of the kit? What are the shape, dimensions, (a)-Blasting Oaps and Detonators.-Electric weight (complete), color, and markings of the or non-electric (Figures 20 and 21)? Instanta- case? AMMUNITION

ammunition shortage existed on many fronts in the European Thea,ter. During one two-week Intelligence on foreign ammunition isvalu­ perio.d, 85 percent of the ammunition expendi­ able for both tactical .and technical reasons. ture of the U. S. XX Corps came from captured The b~ttlefield commander who knows what stocks. When this is expressed in tonnage and ammunition, ~nd consequently what artillery, is shipping requirements, its importance is being used against him is at an obvious advan­ obvious. tage. To develop the most effective Unit~d Ammunition (excluding rockets) falls into States weapons, the designers must have detaIls three ~ain categories 11(1) S~all Arms; (2) on the effect of other nations' ammunition on mortar; and (3) artillery. - personnel and its performance against armor. Sm~ll-arms ammunition consists of four For the field commander, knowledge that major component parts: the bullet, the cart­ guns opposing him are issued with anti-concrete ridge case, the propellant charge, and the rounds will help him decide whether the protec­ primer. These are shown in Figure 1. tion afforded by the adjacent bunker is adequt1te Bullets, which are of numerous types and or not. Possession of proximity fuzes by the combinations and mayor may not include a enemy will render the occupation of slit trenches tracer element, are usually fixed to the cart­ rather hazardous. Employment of tungsten, ridge case by one of five common methods. carbide-cored, high-velocity ammunition will Bullet atta'chment methods and five co~mon increase materially the penetration performance types of bullets are shown in Figure 2. of an antitank gun, while even the low-muzzle­ Cartridge cases may be of brass, steel, or velocity howitzer, wit.h shaped-charge or other light alloy, and the cartridge case usually has special ammunition, is capable of defeating the one of the shapes shown in Figure 3. The most heavily armored tank. The enemy is less walls may be either tapered, parallel, or necked, capable of inflicting an unpleasant surp~se if as shown in Figure 4. one knows in advance that he may use camster, Propellants are usually formed with one of illuminating, shrapnel, smoke, or chemical eight common shapes, as shown in Figure 5. rounds. Another field aspect is that of ammu­ Primers are generally one of two classes: 'nition fragment identification, a most valuable rim-fire or center-fire. ' Center-fire primers are pointer for counterbattery work. divided into two types: (1) The "Boxer" type Among the most useful ammunition intelli­ whose anvil is .a component of the primer gence is that concerning interchangeab~i.ty. assembly; and. (2) the "Berdan" type whose This means knowing which enemy ammumtlOn anvil is an integral part of the cartridge case.' can be fired from Allied guns and which Allied Examples of these are shown in Figure 6. _ ammunition can be fired from enemy weapons. . Following is a check list of the main details During World -War II -the scope of this inter­ required on small-arms ammunition. changeability w'as suprisingly great. It is par­ 1.-0omplete round (see Figure 1.) ticularly useful when airborne and irregular a.-What'is the nomenclature of the complete forces are employed and supply lines are 'round and from what weapon or weapomds"it , , . precarious. fired? What is its basis of issue? What mIS- Although it cannot be recommended except sion is it designed to perform? in emergency, the use- of enemy ammunition b.-What is its over-all length? during World War II on many occasions saved c.-What is its weight-? the day. A considerable quantity of enemy d.-What are the method and type of joint mortar ammunition was used by the 101st and waterproofing employed? 82d U. S. Airborne Divisions in their various operations. In the autumn of 1944 ap. acute 1 /See Figures 1 through 15, pages 41 through 42_ AMMUNITION e.-What is the muzzle velocity of the round: The propellant charge consists of the ignition and, if it is armor-piercing, what is its perform-. cartridge and possibly one or more increment 'ance? charges. ' f.-What markings are present, and what qo The ignition cartridge (see Figure ,7) is in­ they signify? serted into the tail of the shell, which is loaded 2.-Bullet (see Figure 2.) into . the mortar, tail first, from the muzzle. a.-What type is the bullet, and what is its The striker at the base of the mortar tube meets weight? the primer in the base of the ignition cartridge. b.-What are the component parts of the Flash from the ignition cartridge passes through bullet? holes in the tail to ignite the increment charges,' c.-What is its over-all length, and what iR which are attached to the' tail fins to give addi­ the bullet length protruding from the cartridge tional range. case? The placing of a special small charge at the S.-Cartridge Case (see Figures 3 and 4.) head of a shell, ·so that on impact it 'is thrown a.-Of what type is the case, and of what ma­ up into the air and there explodes, is a device terial is it constructed? which has often been tried-though with unsat­ b.-What are its dimensions:· length, neck isfactory results-with the object of obtaining diameter, and base diameter? an airb,urst. The use of proximity fuzes to c.~What.method is used to fix the bullet to obtain the same result is a possibility for the the case (see Figure 2)? future. d.-What are the markings and their mean­ Following is a check list of the main details ings? required on mortar ammunition. 4.-Propellant.0h4rge (see Figure 5). 1.-Fuze a.-What are the weight and type of propel­ Some foreign mortar fuzes are interchangeable lant? with those used for artillery ammunition, and b.-What is its chemical composition? 'all are at least similar to certain artillery fuzes. 5.~Primer (see Figure 6). Details required on mortar fuzes are, therefore, a.-What type of primer i~9:sed and what ~ covered in the discussion of artillery fuzes below. the method of fixing it to;tJie cartridge case? 2.-Shell Body (see Figure 7.) . b.-What is the chemical composition of the The body may be streamlined or cylindrical primer material? . ' in shape and has an important tolerance known q.-Packing as "windage", i. e. the clearance between the a.-What are the size and composition of the shell and the mortar tube. container? a.-What is the nomenclature (including b.-What are the container markings, and caliber) of the round and what is its type (high­ what do they mean? (Do labels or stencil explosive, smoke, illuminating, etc.)? What is markings restrict the use of the ammunition in its basis of issue? What mission is it designed ,any way? Is a class or grade indicated by the to perform? markings?) b.-From what weapon or weapons is the shell c.-What are the weights of empty and full fired? Are they smooth bored or rifled? ' container? . c.-What is the length of the round with and d.-What are 'the total contents of the con­ without fuze? tainer and the method of packing (applicable d.-What is the length of the fins, and how to small-arms rounds, which, are usually in many are there? belts, carto~, magazines, clips, or bandoliers)? e.-What is the weight of the shell fuzed, and What is the manufacturing firm, and where is' what is the weight of the filling? the plant located? f.-What is the type of filling? , g.-What' are the markings or colorings Mortar Ammunition (stamped or stenciled), and what do they

Mortar ammunition usually consists of three i signify? major component parts, as shown in Figure 7 .. h.-What are the packing arrangements? These ara:, (1) The fuze; (2) the body and tail (See discussion of packing under small arms fin assembly; and (3) ,the propellant c~arge. above.) 39 AMMUNITION i.-What is the manufacturing firm, and Impact fuzes are set off by impact against a what is the plant location? target, either with or without a time delay. 3.-Propellant Oharge (see Figure 7) Time fuzes function after a predetermined time This usually consists of an ignition cartridge of flight. Combinations of these types include: and increment charges. The range may be superquick and delay, time' and superquick varied by Increasing or decreasing the number' (powder-train time with a superquick or point of increment charges. These charges are detonating element in the nose), and mechan­ , usually one of two shapes: cylindrical or in the ical time and superquick. form of a ring. Base fuzes are normally of the impact type a.-What type of ignition cartridge is used, and may function as delay or nondelay. and what is the weight of its charge? Proximity fuzes are designed to operate b.-What types of increment charges. are either automatically on reaching proximity to a used, and what is the maximum number that ·can be used? target, or as a result of influence from an ex­ c.-What type of propellant is used in both ternal source. They are actuated by radio, ignition cartridge and increments, and what is radar, electrostatic, acoustic, photoelectric, in­ its shape? frared, or other methods. No fuze setting is d;-What are the weight and shape of the required. Proximity fuzes are very similar to increments? other types in external appearance. e.-What is the method of assembly of the Fuzes normally incorporate safety devices to increments for vario1Js charges? prevent their premature operation during j.-What are the markings, and what do' handling, firing, or early stages of flight. They they mean? ' are armed (i. e., the safety device is released) by various methods during' flight, such as cen­ Artillery Ammunition trifugal force resulting from the spinning of the Artillery ammunition usually consists 'of projectile or "set-back" of fuze components as a five major component parts: (1) The fuze; result of changes in speed offlight. (2) the projectile; (3) the cartridge case; Following is a check list of the information ' (4) the propellant charge; and (5) the primer. required on fuzes. It is again emphasized that A typical complete round is shown in Figure: 8. unqualified personnel should never attempt to These components are assembled into three investigate the working mechanism of any basic types of ammunition: fixed, semi-fixed, fuze; data· should be obtained by other means. and separate-loading. (Drawings of these will a.-What' are the nomenclature and markings be found in Figure 9.) (stamped or stenciled) on the exterior of the Following are ~escriptions and check lists fuze, and what do they signify? of the main details required on artillery b.-What are the type and position (mechan­ ammunition: ical, time, impact, etc., and point or base loca­ 1. Fuze (see Figures 10 and 15). tion)? . Fuzes are devices used with projectiles to c.-What are the external safety devices (cap' cause'them to explode at the time and under or pull ring, safety wire, etc.)? the circumstances desired. They generally d.-What is the over-all length and-shape? ~ontain some of the most sensitive explosives. e.-What is the exposed lengt.h? Unauthorized personnel should never attempt to j.~What are the depth and diameter of fuze disassemble these devices and investigate their intrusion into the projectile? - internfLl mechanism, as such action is extremsly g.-What is the weight of the fuze?­ hazardous. However, a considerable amount h.-What is the body material: steel, alu­ . of technical data may be obtained from an minum, magnesium, plastic, etc.? analysis of visible fuze characteristics. i.-Provide, if possible, sketches and photos Artillery fuzes are of two basic types, accord­ (preferably cro~-sectional),. with dimensions ing to their position on the projectile: point and and pertinent information including diameter, base. I They may' also be classified according' to pitch, ,and contour of threads. their system of operation as: (1) Impact; j.-In combination types of fuzes" is there 8 . (2) time; or (3) proximity. device for selectmg which type of functionine: is 40. AMMUNITION

mlCAL SMALJr.ABMS' AMMUNITION

SMALL-ARM ROUND

MERS

41 AMMUNITION,

TYPICAL MOBTAB AMMUNITION

TYPICAL ARTILLERY AMMUNITION

H.E BURSrtR

.SMOKE.

42 AMMUNITION'

TmClL ABTlLLElY AMMUNITION iCONTINUED @

DRAWN COMPOSITE WRAPPED

PERFORATED WALLS BLOW-OUT BASE

43 AMMUNITION: to be obtained, and can such a device be changed' 2.-Projectile (see Figure 10.) to another setting at the gun? Projectiles may be either fin-stabilized or k.-In time fuzes, what is the number of time spin-stabilized. In the former case, they make rings (if a powder-train fuze), and what are, the use of tail fins and either do not rotate or rotate , maximum and minimum functioning times? Is comparatively slowly, while those of the latter the fuze set by means of hand setter or weapon' type have spin imparted to them during their setter? What, are the graduation units on the passage through the bore of the gun by means time ring?, ' of the gun rifling and a rotating band on the l.-What are the details of arming and safety ~hell, or by pre-engraved splines on the shell. devices in terms of revolutions per minute or The types of projectiles ill common use are forces to actuate on set-back? shown in Figure 10. A drawing, showing a m.-What are the details of operation or set­ rotating band and also giving examples of the ting before and during firing? minute dimensions required for projectile identi­ n.~Are detonator' and' sensitive explosive fication, . is shown in Figure 11. Shapes and train interrupted by use of out-of-line elements positions of other types of rotating bands will until the fuze emerges from the weapon? Does be found in Figure 10. the fuze incorporate a "delay-arming" device, a.-What is the nomenclature of the projec­ i. e., provided with additional safety devices to til~, and from what gun or guns is it fired? prevent functioning on stnking obstructions b,.-What type of projectile is it (HE, AP, within a given distance of the gun? If so, to smoke, etc.)? Describe fully and include what distance, and what types of safety devices cross-sectional drawings: What is the maximum are employed? boes' the fuze incorporate a muzzle velocity? What is its basis of issue? "bore-safe" device, i. e., an additional safety c.-What is the weight of the 'projectile device to prevent the fuzefunctioping within (fuzed, unfuzed, filled, or empty)? the bore of the weapon? If so, how does the d.-What is its length (fuzed or unfuzed)? device accomplish this end? ' , What ~re the angle and length of the boat tail o.-Will the fuze function on graze or ricochet (tapered rear portion)? impact when its nose does not strike the target? e.-Of what material or combination of How is this effect obtained? ,materials is the projectile constructed, and what p.-What is the method of fixing the fuze to method is used for fixing any ballistic caps to it? the shell? f·-What is the radius of ogive (curve of nose q ..,--What is the composition of all explosive portion)?, charges? . g.-Give details of any fuze adapters" a~d r.-What are the method and type of wate,r- plugs used? Is a fuze cavity liner used? If so, proo~? . give material and thickness of liner. s.-With which projectiles is the fuze used? h.-What is the fuze diameter? t.-Against what types of targets is the fuze i.-In the case of AP projectiles, give, the used? hardness pattern of the projectile and cap. 'What is its' sensitivity in terms. of thinnest What is the method of attachment of cap to target, such as aluminum sheet, that will projectile? ' actuate it at various 'ranges? What is the ruggedness in terms of thickest targets on which j.-What arethe number, width, and material the fuze will function properly? Wht;tt is the of the rotating and centering bands, and what ma.ximum obliqtrity at which the fuze will is the distance from the projectile base to the function? lower' edge of the rotating band (or bands, if InQre'than one)? u.-What are the details of delayed arming, and what is the range at which the fuze is k.-What is the numb~ 'of grooves in the. arme<;l by this device? rotating band and what are the minute dimen-' .. v.-What self-destruction devices' are em­ sions of the' keying of rotating and centering pl6lyed, and how do they operate (retardation bands. What are the width and material of of spin, tracer action, etc.)? the' centering band? w.-What is the muzzle velocity or the range • l.-What is the weight of the projectile fill- at which the fuz~ ,is armed? ing? If HE, what type of explosive is it? ' '44 . I AMMUNITION: m.-Give details of the explosive tram, in.,. .. a.-What 18- tne propellant nomenclature, and eluding booster composition and weight. Is I • of what type is it (gunpowder, nitro-~eliUJ.ose; there a smoke charge in the booster? If so, cordite, etc.)? What is the official nomencla­ give composition, weight, and color of smoke ture of the charge, and with what weapon or produced. weapons is it used? ' n.-What are the weight, composition, and , b.-Is the propellant flashless and/or smoke- duration of burning of the tracer? What color ,less? . is the trace? Does it have bright or dark c.-What are the total' weight, shape, size, ignition, i. e., doe$ the tracer "light up" at the and color? . muzzle or after a short delay? How-long is the , d.-What are the numbers of specified charges delay? and increments? o.-What are the, markings and colors, and . e.-What is themethod of aSsembling incre­ what are t~eir meanings? ments to form charges, and what is the weight S.-Oartridge Oase (see Figure 12.) of each increment? 'What are the weights of Cartridge cases may be constructed of brass, the various resulting charges? . steel, plated steel, light alloys, plastics, etc., f.-What decoppering agent is use4 (if ~ny)? by one .of three methods: drawn; wrapped, or 'What are its composition, weight/and location? composite. Examples of cartridge cases for g.-What is, the charge bag ~a.terial (cotton, conventional ~ns are shown in Figure 12. silk, etc.)? . Recoilless gun cartridge cases are constructed h.-What is the composition of the flAsh in, such . a manner. r as to' allow. a portion of. the reducer, and what are its weight and location? propellant gases to escape through the venturi i.-What is the igniter composition, what are or nozzle to the rear of the gun. Two common itsTocation and weight? . designs of this type of cartridge case are shown j.~What are the markings on the charge 'in Figure 13. . . bags, and what are their meanings? Information required fln cartridge cases 5.-Primers (see Figure 14.) ,includes the following: The propellant charge is li:mited by a primer, a.-What is the nomenclature, and with what · which may be one of three types: percussion, weapons is the cartridge case used? , What electric, or friction. Drawings of several varia­ purpose is it designed to p¢orm? What'is its tions of these types are shown in Figure 14. basis of issue? . Primers-are located in the base of the cartridge . b.-What are' its lEmgth, volume, base di­ cases· used in fixed and semi-fixed ammunition, ameter, neck length, neck diameter, rim' di­ whereas those used with. separate-loading am­ ameter, and weight empty? munition are inserted into the breech mechan­ c.--Of what material is the case constructed,' ism of the weapon. Primers used with' fixed and what is the method of fixing the case to the and semi-fixed ammunition may be assembled projectile? What type of primer is used, and, with long perforat.ed tubular igniters which how is it assembled in the cartridge case (press proj.ect into the propellant charge to improve fit or threaded)? .' . . its ignition. d.-What markings (and colors) are used, and a.-What is the nomenclature of the primer, what are their meanings? and what type is it? With what weapons and 4. -Propellant Charge ammunition is'it used? . Propellant charges may be loaded loose into b.-What are ' its' base diameter, over-all the cartridge c8.Se, contained in bags within the length, weight, and body composition (brass, cartridge case, or loaded in bags for use with steel, etc.)? separ~te-loading 8Jl}.IIlunition. The propellant c.-What 18 the method of fixing _~o the may be anyone of the shapes described under cartridg~ case-or firing mechanism (press fit or small-arms ammunition propellant (see Figure threaded)? . 5). Some semi~fixed a~unition ' propellant . d. What are the markings and their meanIng? : charges are composed of varying types and e.-.:....What are the amount and ' composition ' sizes of increments which, when combined in of the priming compound and igniter compound specified ways, give varying ranges and muzzle (if any)? velocities. ' f.-For electric primers, give the. firing. ' 45 AMMUNITION voltllge,. energy requiroo., and type pf firing· 7.-Packirig . circuit used . (batteries, condenser,magn~to, In addition to the data on packing listed in etc.).' . . . the foregoing discussion of small arms, .the 6. ~Miscellane0U8 . following details ~ required: a.-What are the length and weight of the a.-Type of components carrie.d (fuzes, assembled complete round? projectiles, etc.) .. b.--:-What are the method! and type of joint b.-Number of components. waterproofing? . c.-Is the complete round shipped assembled c.-What is the manufacturing firm, and with fuze or with ~ose plug? If nose plug is where is the plant located? used, de.scribe .method of sealing fuze cavity. ARTILLERY; ROCKETS AND ROCKET LAUNCHERS

The antitank application 2 of the rocket is no (UNCLASSIFIED) . : less important than its roles as field and anti­ aircraft artillery. Light, man-carried, rocket­ This chapt~r is confined to rocket .launchers propelled, shaped charges have played havoc of ·the field artillery type. These weapons, with heavy armor, and improvements in this . usually multibarrelled, are often used in pl,ace type of rocket may be expected. - of artillery when it is desired to saturate an , Artillery rocket-launchers fall into three main area with high explosive or other proj ectiles. I categories: (1) Self-propelled equipment 'car- Frequently these weapons are dual-purpose, ried on wheeled or tracked vehicles 3 (Figure 1); being capable of launching antiaircraft barrage (2) .towed carriage~ (Figure 2); and (3) static fueas w-ell as fl1JfiJ]jng ground-to-ground roles. launching racks or frames (Figure 3). The many advantages of light, mobile equip­ Any of these categories may use .rocket ment capable of projecting a heavyweight shell guides (those portions of the weapon which at a high rate of fire ensures a place for the support the rocket before and during its first rocke~-laun_cher in any modern army. moments of flight) of the following types: .The artillery rocket is not normally controlled a.-Smoothbore metal tubes resembling in flight. The use of homing devices, with?r barrels. These usually are thin-walled, paral­ lel-sided, and open at both ends (Figures 1 without p!oxim~y fuzes. woul

1 A 1i00000ntal zone within which 50 percent of all the rockets fired at J See page 26. • the same range will fall. ' a See Figures 1 through lO. pages 48 and 49." 4-7 ROCKETS AND· LAUNCHERS rocket fired, and what is the weapon's role, i:e., . Figure 8 illustrates a conventional rocket pro­ ground-to-ground, gro.und-to-air? Has the Jectile having a single-axial venturi and taiI­ weapon any dual- or multi-purpos.e? fin stabilization. Some of the more important c.-WHat types of ammunition are fired, and variations from this general design which may' what are their maximum ranges? How accurate be encountered are: is the weapon? . a.-.:.spin stabilization, effected by multiple d.-What is the rate of fire of a salvo, and' small venturis around the circumference of the how long does it take to reload? How much base of the motor (Figure 9). These venturis time is required to bring the launcher into are inclined at an angle to the axis so that the action? issuing gases impart rotation to the rocket. e.-What are the limits of traverse and b.-A rocket in which the shell is of markedly elevation? larger diameter than the motor (Figure 4). f.-What form of guide rail is used? What is c.-A rocket, in which the shell is behind the the number of guide rails, ·and how are they motor instead of in front of it (Figure 9). arranged? ·What is the length of each guide d.-A rocket in which the shell surrounds rail? Are the guide rails or tubes provided the motor or vi.ce· versa. This design achieves .with any adaptors to permit the firing. of a better ballistIC shape owing to the improved ammuni,tion of a different caliber? distribution of weight during burning· of the g.-Are the rockets loaded· from the front or propellant. the rear? . Are any mechanical loading devices The efficiency of a field rocket projectile is . used? partly determined by the .amount of assembly h.-What are the dimensions of the launcher? which must be carried out immediately before i.~Where is the firer's posItion, and· by what :firing. Where rockets are transported in sec­ means is he protected from the backblast of tions in order to avoid risk of damage or the rockets? accident in transit, the time necessary to j.-What types of mechanism are used for achieve a ready-to-fire condition should be elevating and traversing? noted. Following is a check list of the main informa­ k.-What are the sighting arrangements, and tion required on field rockets: what do the graduations represent? . a.-Whatis the caliber of the rocket? What i.-How many men are there in the crew and are its official nomenclature and its nickname? what are their duties? b.-What are the minimum and maximum m.-Is firing by percussion or electric. If ranges of the rocket? the former, describe the mechanism? . If elec­ tric, l what is the source of current supply? c.-From what launchers is the rocket fired, n.- Give a general description of· the and what is its role? Is it dual- or multi­ purpose; i. e., AA, ground-to-ground, or AT? launcher, including the platform, if st~tic, and the carria.ge, if towed. d.-What type of filling is contained in the shell, i. e., HE, smoke, chemical? . o.-What is the name oithe ma.nufacturer or manufacturers, and what is the location of the e.-What are the dimensions of the various plant or plants? . components and stabilizing fins, if any? j.-'Vhat are the weights of the various Rockets compo~ents and fillings? g.~ Is firing by electrical means or percussion? An artillery rocket normally consists of two Describe the firing arrangements.4 major components: (1) ..The shell,2 which con­ tains H~ or some other filling, together with h.-Does it l).ave spoilers.? Spoilers are de­ a fuze 2; and (2) the motor, consisting mainly of vices fitted to a projectile to be fired at less than the solid fuel or other propellant, ami the the normal minimum range (Figure 10). They venturi or venturis.3 reduce range without lowering the angle of projection. Gi~e a description of any· which 1 A typical hand ~erator is sh~1VIl in FPe 6. 'Foe check Ulits of tnese components see page 39. - may be used. I A restricted. or shaped orifice designed to increase _ velocity of P8SSin~)jl!uids 91' gases. . , A typi~I hand generator is shown in J'igate 6.. ROCKETS AND LAUNCHERS

ARTILLERY ROCKET MATERIEL

49 · . . ROCKETS .AND LAUNCHERS

ABmLEBY BlemMATiBlEL CONTINUED

50 ROCKETS AND LAUNCHERS

~.-Complete ballistic details are required, during .sto~e?· including time of burning of propellant charge l.--:-What are the safe firing temperature and temperatures. What are the length and limits? Are different rounds used for cold and breadth o{ the 50-percent zone? hot Climates? j.-What are the details of the shell a~d its m.;-What inaterials of CQnstruction are use_d1 fuze? Field rocket shells and·fuzes are basIcally If stee1,wnat compositionancl what heat similar to those of artillery projectiles: treatment, if any; ate· used 1- . k.-What type and composition of propellant n.-What is the name of the manufacturer(s), are 'used? Are any special prec~utions .taken and what is the location of the 'plant(~?

-(:( u. S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFF1CE: 0-1950 51