At the beginning of 1942, the designer S. G. Korshunov invented the RG-42 grenade for offensive purposes. The design of the new weapon was simplified so that plant No. 58 named after K.E. Voroshilov could fulfill the plan for the production of new items for the needs of the army. The fragmentation grenade was created under the unified fuse of the Viceni system (UZRG), which was intended for use with hand grenades.
The use of RG-42 assembly with UZRG
The grenade index RG-42 stands for hand grenade 1942 release. UZRG is ideal for both the grenade body and the F-1.
A fragmentation grenade was used during the Second World War for offensive operations. And also during defense under the pressure of the enemy.
The appearance of the RG-42 grenade is very similar to its fellow predecessor RGD-33. The only difference is the lack of a handle on the novelty.
RG-42 grenade is an offensive weapon. It is equipped with throwing elements (fragments). Its main purpose is the defeat of enemy infantry. Grenade explosion occurs even in such adverse conditions as snow, dirt, water, etc.
Parts of the grenade
Developed in 1942 by designer Korshunov, a hand grenade consisted of several main parts:
- A simple cylinder-shaped body that is equipped with a tube for screwing in the fuse.
- Charge to launch a grenade.
- Cork made of wood or a cap made of metal.
- Fuse.
The body of the weapon was made of a thin sheet of metal. Inside was placed a charge, a fuse and small fragments that could effectively hit a target. The lower part of the explosive device is closed with a flat bottom, a lid was installed on top. On the upper part there was a tube with an internal thread for reliable fastening of the fuse, as well as for sealing the case during an explosion. If it was necessary to transport or store the tube, it was necessary to close the hole in the grenade body with a plastic stopper or a metal cap.
The charge placed in the case was wrapped in tape of several layers. This is necessary so that the fragments fly apart over a long distance during the detonation of weapons. To increase the number of fragments on the metal ribbon, notches in the form of squares were made. During the detonation of weapons, they scattered, contributing to the instant destruction of the hull. Flying out, small pieces of tape hit targets at a distance of 25 meters.
The grenade charge, which served to destroy the hull and throw splinters, was set inside. It was placed between the layers of tape and the tube.
After a series of tests, experts found that when detonating, the notches on the tape did not always act as intended. The fragments did not scatter evenly in different directions, since the tape was torn in arbitrary places, and not evenly in all directions.
Use of UZRGM
The grenade filled with a charge is completely safe when stored in a warehouse or transported. The device is able to detonate only from the fuse. The explosive charge consisted of TNT with a total mass of 115 grams.
During the operation of the explosive device , about 1000 fragments flew in different directions, the range of the striking action was up to 20 meters, some of the striking elements flew from the place of the explosion to a distance of up to 25 m.
A universal fuse suitable for RG-42 consists of a fuse case and its percussion mechanism. The firing mechanism itself is located in the tube and consists of a firing pin, a mainspring, a fuse in the form of a lever, and also checks with a ring.
The fuse consisted of a flammable capsule, a gas composition that slows detonation, as well as a detonator. It must be kept separately, it should be twisted into the body of the explosive device immediately before throwing. The fuse begins its action during a sharp throw, the explosion occurs after 3-4 seconds.
The characteristics of the RG-42 grenade are as follows:
- weight: 400 g;
- charge mass approximately 115 g;
- case length: 121 mm;
- case diameter: 54 mm;
- the radius of the fragments: 15-20 meters;
- number of striking elements: 1000 pcs.;
- flight range: 35-40 meters;
- explosion delay time before activation: 3-4 sec.
The principle of operation of the grenade
When a person pulls out a check, the drummer remains in its original place, since a special fork holds it. During the throw, the trigger is released, as the throwing arm releases the weapon body. The drummer with the help of a spring forces the capsule to be tipped, and gases ignite. After a few seconds, the detonator fires. The fragments, revealing the body of the product, fly apart within a radius of tens of meters.
Grenade Disposal
A grenade can only be discharged if the check has not been removed. To cancel the explosion, it is necessary to unscrew the fuse back, wrap it in a paper sheet or rags, and then put it in a special section of the bag for storage. A plug or cap is required in the hole in the housing of the explosive device.
Possible malfunctions UZRG
During the war, soldiers encountered misfires during the use of the RG-42. Such situations arose due to the ingress of moisture into the pressed gunpowder, which was in the UZRG. To fix this lack of weapons, designers came up with special cans for storing fuses. Such a protective element was opened in the same way as an ordinary tin can for storing food.
Training grenade sample 1942
To train Soviet fighters to use a new type of weapon, the RG-42 training grenade was invented. Her appearance was similar to her battle brother. During the war, the mass production of such training devices was not possible to establish, so they were replaced by models of artisanal assembly.
To make such an educational product, they used a thick tube, cut it into pieces, then welded holes on both sides with round plates, the thickness of which was 4 mm. A hole was cut in one of the covers with a diameter of 3-4 cm, and then it was required to make a thread for screwing the pin (fuse simulator). Holes for the pin and ring were made on the pin. They, in turn, were made by craftsmen from ordinary wire. The case of the educational product was filled with sand to the required weight.